University of Suffolk leader in reducing carbon emissions

Figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency revealed that the university achieved a 64 percent decrease in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions between 2015/16 and 2021/22 – the biggest decrease out of 119 universities across the country. 

Scope 1 emissions are those caused by the combustion of fuel, such as natural gas, or by university-controlled sources, while Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the purchase and consumption of electricity supplied by the grid.

This excludes emissions from the supply chain, transport, and waste. 

The university noted a significant fall in emissions, from 2,032.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent recorded for 2015/16 to 740.7 tonnes of CO2 in 2021/22.  

Nigel Lucker, director of estates at the University of Suffolk, said: "We are immensely proud to have emerged as the frontrunner within the HEI sector, securing a first-place position for our decarbonisation operations.  

"This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, a central aspect of our Estates Strategy, and stands as a testament to the pursuit of tried and innovative solutions driving transformative change for our facilities." 

The University has introduced a host of vital measures to reduce its carbon output, including electrification of hot water heating across most campus buildings, installing onsite PV panels generating renewable energy, and upgrading LED lighting across most campus buildings, with additional rollouts to follow, as well as controlling building heating and cooling. 

Solar panels at the University of Suffolk buildings, University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk)

Professor Helen Langton MBE, vice-chancellor and CEO of the university, added: "I am delighted to see the University make such great progress on reducing carbon emissions, and couldn’t be prouder of the work our Sustainability and Estates teams have been doing in this area. 

"The figures demonstrate how seriously we take our sustainability responsibilities, and we must continue to do all we can to achieve carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030." 

Professor Helen Langton MBE, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

In February last year, Suffolk was ranked in the top ten out of 154 universities for its waste and recycling achievements by People and Planet UK, with a recycling rate of 97 percent.