Carbon, Energy and Water

Carbon, Energy and Water

The University of Huddersfield is committed to reducing the impact of our estate on climate change. Over the last 20 years, we have made significant progress in this mission: 

• Between 2006 and 2020, we reduced our carbon emissions by 29%. If we consider the significant expansion of our estate during this period, this is equivalent to a 43% reduction in carbon intensity (tonnes of CO₂ per m²  floor area). This far exceeded our original target of a 30% reduction per m² which we set in 2017 in our Carbon Management Plan. 

• In early 2020, the University convened a Climate Emergency Steering Group, chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Professor Tim Thornton). This group is a regular gathering of experts and stakeholders from across the University to develop a strategic and urgent action plan to mitigate climate change. This group approved and published our Carbon Neutral Strategy (2020), and our Net Zero Carbon Emissions Plan (2022). 

The Net Zero Carbon Emissions Plan sets out ambitious targets for further carbon reduction: 

• Net Zero Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 

• Net Zero Scope 3 emissions by 2045 

What is the University doing to reduce its carbon impact?

Estates and Facilities are busy making the University’s decarbonisation pathway into a reality. Explore some of our high-profile projects below: 

Scope 3 Emissions

This represents the largest source of emissions from the university's activities, and the hardest to manage due to them falling outside the organisation’s direct control. Areas that create Scope 3 emissions include business travel, goods and services procured, building and facilities management and construction, Information and Communication Technology services, waste, and water management. Scope 3 emissions can vary significantly from year to year based upon internal and external factors affecting the university.

The university's reported indirect emissions figure for 2023/24 is 17747.57tco₂e. The university will continue to develop its measurement framework to ensure the application of a robust Scope 3 evaluation system.