Sustainability at the University of Huddersfield

In early 2020 the Climate Emergency Steering Group was established at the University to respond to the Climate Emergency. Attended by the Students’ Union, researchers in climate change plus representatives from support services including Estates and Facilities Management and chaired by Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the steering group collaborated to produce the Carbon Neutral Strategy: A Ten Point Plan for the Planet.

Adopted by the University Council in November 2020, the plan reflects the University’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across all areas of the University. It aims to address the breadth of sustainable development whilst establishing new net zero targets for Huddersfield. As part of this plan, the University of Huddersfield will achieve net zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and scope 2 by 2030, and for scope 3 by 2045.

These commitments build on the University’s long-standing dedication to sustainability and environmental improvement; great work has already been carried out ensuring that the University met and exceeded its carbon reduction targets for scope 1 and 2 in 2020. Please note the plan is currently under review and the updated version will be published soon. The details of the plan can be viewed below.

Carbon neutral strategy: A Ten-Point Plan for the Planet

  1. Our new-build estate will achieve BREEAM Excellent and WELL Building standards

    Responsible: Tim Hosker, Director of Estates & Facilities

  2. We will reduce our travel impacts by investing in alternatives such as conferencing and distance-learning technologies, and supporting public transport and active travel initiatives

    Responsible: Krish Pilicudale, Director of Digital (standing item SPPIB) / Tim Hosker, Director of Estates & Facilities

  3. We will invest in digital solutions to reduce our carbon impact

    Responsible: Krish Pilicudale, Director of Digital (standing item SPPIB)

  4. We will place sustainability at the heart of our curriculum, ensuring it is at the centre of our understanding of future global professionals

    Responsible: Jane Owen-Lynch, PVC Teaching & Learning (standing item UTLC)

  5. Our research will enhance the sustainability agenda, and we will disseminate its findings

    Responsible: Andrew Ball, PVC Research & Enterprise (standing item URC)

  6. We will enhance biodiversity in the environment in and around campus

    Responsible: Tim Hosker, Director of Estates & Facilities

  7. We will partner with the West Yorkshire Forest to plant at least one tree for every student who enrols with us, including work on urban tree-planting and tree-planting with schools, making offset relevant and effective

    Responsible: Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor

  8. We will invest over £1m in carbon reduction measures in the next six years

    Responsible: Tim Hosker, Director of Estates & Facilities

  9. We will achieve net zero carbon emissions, for scope 1 & 2, by 2030

    Responsible: Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (standing item SLT)

  10. We will achieve net zero carbon emissions, for scope 3, by 2045

    Responsible: Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (standing item SLT)

Approved 25 November 2020 by University Council.

 

Scope 1: emissions from sources directly owned or controlled by the University

Scope 2: generated by use of energy bought from a utility provider

Scope 3: occurring from sources that the University does not own or control, for example covering emissions associated with business travel, procurement, waste, and water

 

Be green branding Think Green, Do Green, Be Green

Biodiversity

Our goal is to incorporate a respect for wildlife and the natural environment into our management of the estate. 

Carbon, Energy and Water

The University's plan to reduce Carbon, Energy and Water Cconsumption.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to keep fit while reducing your carbon emissions, find out what the University is doing to champion cycling.

Education for Sustainable Development

Find out how the University is including the principles of Sustainable Development into its teaching and learning

Fairtrade and Sustainable Food

The University is committed to providing sustainable food.

Gardening spaces on campus

Find out more about our gardening spaces on campus including the Student and Staff Allotments

 

Get Involved

There are many ways for you to get involved with sustainability at the University!

Sustainability Governance

Find out how the sustainability agenda is governed at the University.

Green Week

Run annually, Green Week is an opportunity for Staff and Students across the University to join our Sustainability journey

Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)

An innovative scheme to drive improvements in laboratory efficiency

Policies

The University's policies and strategies on environment and sustainability

Purchasing

Sustainable purchasing is all about taking environmental and social factors into account in purchasing decisions.

Sustainable Buildings

We are committed to creating sustainable buildings at the University.

Sustainable Development Goals

The University is committed to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Transport

Find out more about the University's transport plan

Tree Planting Sessions

Find out more about how to join us for a tree planting session within the local community.

Waste recycling

Find out more about our efforts to reduce the amount of waste.

WELL Building Standard

Find out more about the incorporation of the WELL Building Standard in the Jo Cox More in Common and Daphne Steele Buildings

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