Carbon Emission Targets Explained
The University of Warwick declared a Climate Emergency in September 2019.
We committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030 (Scope 1&2) and by 2050 (Scope 3).
Action to achieve this is well-advanced and the University will be publishing our Way to Sustainable high-level routemap very soon with a more detailed action plan following in early 2022.
We complete an annual assessment of carbon emissions, and we were amongst the first UK Universities to develop a Carbon Management Plan. In 2005, we took part in the Higher Education Carbon Management Programme (HECMP). This resulted in a carbon emissions baseline and the development of a Carbon Management Implementation Plan.
View our most recent performance report here.
Infographic by: Walmart Sustainability Hub
Scope 1 = Emissions created by combustion to generation of energy on campus from our Combined Heat and Power plants (which are still one of the best ways to create energy), gas burnt in boilers, petrol/diesel used in University vehicles and some LPG that is used in limited locations.
Scope 2 = Emissions created from purchased energy (electricity) as we do not generate enough of our own electricity on campus. This is used for lighting, computers and electrical equipment being used.
Scope 3 = Emissions created by others that are outside the direct control of the University but are created because of our activities for example students and staff travelling to campus, waste being collected, and items being purchased.
What about the other greenhouse gases?
The targets are Carbon equivalent so we are seeking to reduce all emissions and the way we report on these will be equal to the impact they have on the environment e.g. Methane is 23x more damaging than Carbon Dioxide which is why people are encouraged to reduce their red meat intake.
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Greenhouse Gases are:
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