Northumbria hits carbon reduction target a year early

The University has reduced carbon emissions by 48% in the past four years, surpassing the ambitious targets set in 2010.

Northumbria reached the 2020 target a year early, achieving a 38% carbon reduction against the 32.5% 2020 target. Over the last four years, Scope 1 and 2 emissions have dropped by a staggering 48%. Read the 2018/19 Carbon Management Annual Report for more details.

The past year has marked significant milestones in the University’s sustainability journey. In January, Northumbria became a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI). This places the University within a diverse network of students, academics and think tanks working towards supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Northumbria has been recognised with ISO14001 certification for the Environmental Management System and was named the fourth most sustainable University in the UK in the People & Planet League. Read the 2018/19 Annual Sustainability Report for an overview of the most recent achievements and further information on how the University reached the carbon reduction targets.

Climate Action - Keith Slater from Northumbria University on Vimeo.

The University is now aiming for a 43% reduction from the baseline for 2020. Northumbria will also be producing the next Carbon Management Plan for 2020-2030, firmly placing the University on a trajectory towards Carbon Neutrality by 2040.

Keith Slater, Carbon Manager said “The amazing reductions are the result of the commitment the University has made to carbon emissions, with £4million of investment in energy saving and low carbon technologies, and the staff and students across the University who take actions to reduce energy use every day”.

Northumbria recognises the significant contribution that our research and teaching activities make to the global UN Sustainable Development Goals. The University’s research is informing Policy and development across the world – from Holliday Hunger to addressing FGM – and we are working to further Education for Sustainable Development across our courses. 

To discover how the University supports the Sustainable Development Goals, visit northumbria.ac.uk/sustainability.