Newcastle University aims to be net zero by 2030. Wondering how? Meet the team behind the plan…
Seventeen years ago, Newcastle University’s Sustainability Team was created with just two employees looking after the University’s entire energy system. Today, we are a team of ten, responsible for a range of environmental management concerns, from the energy system to biodiversity, and from waste to the University’s water supply. Throughout the University’s activity, we look to continually reduce operational wastage and drive improvements towards a more sustainable campus.
Net zero by 2030
Our work in the Sustainability Team is driven by a variety of goals and targets and chief among them is achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This target, among others, is in the University’s Climate Action Plan.
The Climate Action Plan was created to address the climate crisis and our impact on it. The plan summarises the work carried out before publication, in 2021, and the targets we set out in a 10-point plan. We have been working on the 10-point plan (see below image) and are coming to the end of Phase 1.
Image: a graphic from Newcastle University’s Climate Action Plan displaying the 10 points of the plan: 1. Energy origin and procurement, 2. Energy use, 3. Capital goods, 4. Purchased goods and services, 5. Travel, 6. Investments, 7. Circular economy, 8. Research and education, 9. Leadership and governance, and 10. Engagement. Credit: Author.
Importance of sustainability at Newcastle University
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan OBE
Sustainability is the ability to ‘meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.1 In other words, it is the prominent need to cut resource exploitation to ensure there are sufficient supplies for generations to come.
Sustainability must be a holistic approach, taking into account environmental, social and economic aspects.
Adopting a more sustainable way of life is not only essential to the protection of our ecosystems but also to economic growth and social wellbeing. Environmental issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss have global effects and vulnerable communities are often feel the brunt of these crises most acutely.
We know that we have to play our part in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Our Climate Action Plan outlines the action we want to take to reduce our negative impacts and increase our positive impacts locally and internationally.
How to get involved
Interested in learning more about sustainability at our university? There are a variety of ways for students and colleagues to engage with climate action here at Newcastle University, including:
- Joining the Sustainability Network for monthly updates on our projects and the sustainability work of other teams throughout the University.
- Exploring this blog to learn more about a range of environmental concerns and the ways our university is addressing them, from biodiversity to active travel to solar power.
- (Colleagues) Joining the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework to improve, and gain recognition for, the sustainability of your lab(s).
- Getting involved with the NUSU’s variety of environmentally focused societies and volunteering opportunities.
- (Colleagues) Joining the Furniture Reuse mailing list to browse and share furniture from throughout the University.
- Keeping an eye on our Events Page for upcoming sessions, including our free biweekly Dr Bike sessions.
- Joining the Bicycle Users Group (BUG) to get involved with a community of cyclists, share advice, and recieve updates from us about everything cycling at Newcastle University. (Email sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk to join!).
- Exploring our Sustainable Campus website for information on our team, our work, and everything to do with sustainability at our University.
References:
- United Nations Brundtland Commission (1987). Available at: Sustainability – United Nations. (Accessed: 26th October 2022).