A new report by DTP has highlighted the significant strides UK universities have made in reducing their carbon footprint.
The report details the individual carbon emissions of each university and spotlights those with the highest waste production. It proposes actionable solutions to decrease carbon emissions, such as waste minimisation and renewable energy investment. The findings indicate UK universities are firmly committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030 or, at the latest, by 2050.
The DTP report reveals the impressive progress UK universities have made in reducing their carbon footprint. All DTP universities have committed to achieving net zero emissions between 2027 and 2050.
The study discovered that universities like London Metropolitan University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and York St. John University achieved top marks in carbon reduction in the People & Planet University League for Carbon Reduction. University College London and Nottingham Trent University also scored impressively with 100% and 98% respectively for Carbon Management. Bournemouth University, The University of Sterling, and the University of Arts London have attained a 100% score for their commitment to Energy Sources in the People & Planet League.
The report underscores the pressing need for universities to curtail their carbon emissions and endorse sustainable practices. On average, a single university emits 10,778,986kg of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, wastes 127,644m3 of water, and accumulates 1914 tonnes of waste. The 133 UK universities analysed generate carbon equivalent to 665 landfills annually, similar to having 813,774 cars running continuously for a year. To offset this waste, universities would need to plant millions of trees.
The data reveals the total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and the total number of students in different regions of the United Kingdom, along with the carbon footprint per student for each region. The combined carbon footprint of all regions stands at 1,433,605,175 Kg CO2e, and the total student population is 2,315,055, resulting in an average carbon footprint per student of 619 Kg CO2e.
The University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester and University College London top the list in waste and carbon emissions production, with emissions of 64.5m, 46.4m, 43.1m, 42.5m, and 36.6m kg CO2e respectively.
However, the report also highlights that substantial reductions in carbon emissions and advancements in sustainability are achievable. For instance, London Metropolitan University has managed to cut its carbon emissions by 80% since 2005-06, four years ahead of its target. Cardiff Metropolitan University has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability by reducing its electricity use by 33% and gas use by 39% while sourcing 100% renewable electricity since 2017.
This report serves as a crucial resource for universities, offering critical insights into university carbon footprints and identifying the institutions that generate the most waste. The data underscores the urgency for swift action to reduce carbon emissions and foster a more sustainable future.
