[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”breadcrumbs-sc” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
Have you got questions about our Carbon Net Zero Strategy 2021-2030? Unsure if it’s greenwash? Or perhaps there’s just too much jargon? All your questions on this very important topic are answered below.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”|auto|-33px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_position=”top_left” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How can I help?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We need everyone to understand where their activities have the highest impact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Staff and students\u00a0can be role models\u00a0and help drive change by:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As citizens, we can all support the global decarbonisation journey through minimising excess consumption and waste, and by choosing more plant-based options in our diets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a\u00a0University, we will continue to be active in local and regional forums\u00a0like\u00a0CheltenhamZero\u00a0that\u00a0connect\u00a0all our efforts,\u00a0e.g.\u00a0on moves for lower carbon transport and innovative carbon projects.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What are you actually going to do?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n To achieve net zero by 2030, here are some of the actions we plan to take:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a\u00a0University, we cannot achieve net zero alone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As citizens, we can all support the global decarbonisation journey through minimising excess consumption and waste, and by choosing more plant-based options in our diets.<\/span><\/p>\n Read our full Carbon Net Zero Strategy 2021-2030.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Will this plan make a difference?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n It will! This plan is taking us beyond the good results we\u2019ve achieved so far in carbon reduction. It is aiming for more cuts in the energy-related emissions from the use of our estate and buildings but also goes into the harder-to-influence indirect emissions from our travel patterns and supply chain.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We have funding allocated each year in central budgets that is dedicated for carbon reduction works. In year 1 of the\u00a0strategy\u00a0we also have\u00a0Salix grant-funded projects to kickstart changes to our heating systems, at our Francis Close Hall and Oxstalls campuses.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Net Zero plans take a bigger picture view of an organisation and involve more people and teams in the agenda and the actions. That wider involvement will help us to make a difference on the new changes\u00a0we need to our overall systems and practices where we can individually make changes.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do I know this plan isn\u2019t greenwash?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Net Zero is a new term \u2013 not always used clearly\u00a0or consistently yet.\u00a0Greenwash refers to when companies and organisations put a spin on marketing, to give the perception that they\u2019re doing more to protect the environment than they in fact are. Claims are often unsubstantiated and misleading \u2013 or the data to back it up isn\u2019t made clear.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can spot\u00a0potential greenwash\u00a0in a few ways:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our plan aims for net zero by 2030 and tackles Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.\u00a0We report our carbon data in our\u00a0<\/span>Annual Sustainability Report<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Universities whose net zero plans don\u2019t stack up can expect to be held to account by students who want to know their fees are used for a fantastic learning experience – not at the cost of the planet and our futures!<\/span> See how we compare to other universities in the SOS-UK Carbon Targets ranking<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When does this plan start?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Now \u2013 in fact we\u2019ve already started!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We are mobilising our next phase in heating decarbonisation projects in academic year 2021\/22. We will measure from the level of emissions cuts we have made since 2005. Our plan\u00a0tracks performance against\u00a0a 2018\/19 baseline, using data recorded in our externally audited Environmental Management System.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why are you only now taking action?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n We\u2019re not \u2013 we\u2019ve been on our emissions reduction journey since 2010 when we started our first\u00a0<\/span><\/span>ten year<\/span>\u00a0Carbon Strategy 2010-2020<\/span>, as required by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. See what we\u2019ve achieved so far in our Annual Sustainability Repor<\/a><\/span>t<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why is the travel target only 3%?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This 3% target for travel seems low compared to the other emissions scopes but it is another challenging stretch target. It factors in\u00a0our\u00a0growth plan\u00a0over the\u00a0next 10 years which\u00a0is the lifespan of our Net Zero strategy and will increase our student and staff numbers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Scope 3 emissions account for approximately 85% of our overall emissions. So, in setting the 3% target, we are driving down travel emissions compared to where we were in 2018\/19\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span><\/i>absorbing all the additional travel emissions\u00a0that will come from our planned growth.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why don\u2019t the targets add up to 100%?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n If the reductions added up to 100%, we would be a zero emissions organisation. Technology and available financing for our sector are not sufficient to take us there yet. So, our targets\u00a0<\/span><\/span>will allow us to achieve an overall reduction in carbon emissions of<\/span>\u00a0approximately 25%<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why not just purchase energy from a green tariff?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n We do already purchase\u00a0<\/span><\/span>electricity on a\u00a0<\/span>green tariff and have done so since 1993!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Electricity use accounts for only about 8% of our overall carbon emissions.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Green energy purchasing is the right thing to do, however in itself it is not the solution.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Have you divested from fossil fuels?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Yes \u2013 we\u00a0<\/span><\/span>fully\u00a0<\/span><\/span>divested from fossil fuels in May 2018<\/a><\/span>. And this was not just a policy statement to be delivered later down the line \u2013 it took place with immediate effect.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can we do more? Why not aim for absolute zero emissions?” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n
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