Net zero

This is a complex topic. In a nutshell Net zero means not adding any overall emissions to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. To achieve this goal, the University will need to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate emissions associated with its activities. We label carbon emissions according to whether they are produced directly (such as gas use) or indirectly (such as the energy used in producing something that we buy).

Put very simply:

Scopes 1 and 2 (directly controlled) – Mainly buildings and vehicles (owned by UoL) – gas, oil, diesel, petrol, refrigerant gas, heat, steam, and electricity use
Scope 3 (indirectly controlled) – Mainly humans – what we use (such as waste produced) and buy

Our net zero plus plan commits the University to reach net zero (all scopes) by 2040. However, how we get there is important as early action reduces cumulative emissions and can significantly reduce our overall negative impact.

The University of Leicester is unusually ambitious as we include all scopes within our net zero target:

Breadth
If we cause it, we report it
If we pay for it, we count it under net zero (if it’s in our financial statement, we include it in the net zero target).

Offset

Offsetting our carbon emissions is not yet a strategic priority whilst our focus is on reduction emissions, although we are a member of the Carbon Coalition to enable colleagues to offset relevant research activities where appropriate.

University actions

Our initial focus will be to establish the sequestration (carbon absorption) baseline (and therefore potential) of our green space
We are one of ten universities taking part in the pilot Habitable science research challenge.

Net zero roadmap

The following areas are important as we embark on this journey:

Energy

Gas

Steps to meet target

Heat decarbonisation (target decade - 2030s)
Boiler upgrades, air source heat pumps (target decade - 2030s)

Electricity

Steps to meet target

Behaviour change (target decade - 2030s)
Smart buildings (target decade - 2030s)
National grid decarbonisation (target decade - 2040s)

Renewables

Steps to meet target

Increased investment in renewable technologies (target decade - 2030s)
100% renewables (target decade - 2040s)

Health and wellbeing

Adaptation

Steps to meet target

Estate consolidation (target decade - 2030s)
Building fabric upgrades (target decade - 2030s)
Health and wellbeing policies (target decade - 2030s)
Climate adaptation measures (target decade - 2040s)

Responsible consumption

Waste

Steps to meet target

Circular economy principles (target decade - 2040s)
Zero waste to landfill (target decade - 2040s)
Food waste infrastructure (target decade - 2040s)
Potential onsite composting (target decade - 2040s)
Minimise packaging (target decade - 2040s)

Procurement

Steps to meet target

Plant-based menus (target decade - 2020s)
Equipment and end of life policy (target decade - 2020s)
Supplier engagement (target decade - 2020s)
Low carbon substitutions (target decade - 2040s)
Suppliers to match University of Leicester net zero commitment (target decade - 2040s)
Revised procurement emissions methodology (target decade - 2040s)
Inset fund (target decade - 2040s)

Water

Steps to meet target

Water management policy (target decade - 2040s)

Travel

Steps to meet target

Reduced need to travel (target decade - 2020s)
Emissions caps on fleet vehicles (target decade - 2020s)
Review international travel policy and related policies (target decade - 2040s)

Behaviours

Steps to meet target

Local environment action plans (departments) (target decade - 2040s)
Environmental action coordinators (target decade - 2040s)
Communication and engagement (target decade - 2040s)
Policy updates (target decade - 2040s)

Biodiversity

Steps to meet target

Building upgrades include biodiversity measures (target decade - 2040s)
Biodiversity net gain - continued investment in tree planting, rewilding measures and species maximisation (target decade - 2040s)

Offset

Steps to meet target

Direct sequestration (target decade - 2030s)
Develop in-house scheme (target decade - 2030s)
Explore project opportunities (target decade - 2030s)
Recognised section scheme (target decade - 2040s)
Informal community (target decade - 2040s)
Academic projects (target decade - 2040s)