Climate action 2024
Operations:
The University has adopted a Ten-Point Climate Action Plan, focused on delivering carbon neutrality on Scope 1/2 by 2030, and Scope 3 by 2045. The Plan covers work on the University’s estate, digital infrastructure, teaching & learning, research, campus environment, travel strategy, and approaches to offsetting. This is finding specific focus in the Carbon Plan approved by the University’s Council in 2024, which outlines expenditure of £10m on specific carbon reduction schemes before 2030.
Research
Further, researchers across the University are working with governments and NGOs to address climate change impacts.
Public and Business Engagement
This type of work may include local campaigns of awareness raising and education on climate issues. Colleagues from the University have been active in projects to enable participation in work on water habitats and wildlife, under the Ofwat Innovation in Water Challenge, and very locally to work with farmers and others in the Holme Valley.
Learning and Students
Among the environmental education measures supported by the University, it works with its own students on the Global Professional Award, a compulsory programme for all undergraduates that includes, among other strands of work, a focus on sustainability.
The Global Disaster Resilience Centre was successful in the Newton Prize, for work on tsunami risk, community awareness and preparedness in Indonesia.