Commitment to reach Carbon Net Zero
The University of Leeds has committed to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. It is now time to deliver on this commitment. This Climate Plan document lays out an ambitious yet realistic and achievable pathway to reach that target, which makes minimal use of carbon offsetting, improves our resilience and is fully aligned with University values. It also presents a preliminary post-2030 ‘net zero plus’ strategy to bring a wider set of emissions into scope, and to achieve an overall zero emission target. Delivering our Pathway to Net Zero requires an integrated approach across the University, underpinned by cooperation, empowerment and widespread communication across all staff and students. Delivery also requires significant capital expenditure of £152.8m over the next decade and a short-term increase in operating costs of up to £2m per year at 2030. These investments, combined with focused strategy, can deliver a sector leading, rapid and just transition to net zero that enhances the student experience, community wellbeing and our international reputation. By trialling solutions and undertaking new research, our University can have an impact far beyond our campus – to the region, country and world. And our campus will be operating as a net zero living laboratory so we can learn-by-doing and share knowledge worldwide. In line with the UK government strategy to decarbonise electricity generation by 2035, our recommended pathway focuses on electrification. This means we can be
ambitious with our level of planned emissions reductions possible by 2030, while at the same time minimising risk. Our commitment to net zero includes scope 1 (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources), scope 2 (indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy) and business travel and commuting. The next few years will lay the groundwork to achieve rapid decarbonisation rates after 2025. The move away from natural gas to electricity will require extensive works that, in the short- term, might raise emissions but will ultimately deliver an ambitious and cost-effective pathway to net zero. Our 2020 baseline for emissions covered by the net zero target is 71,546 tCO2e1 and our pathway will reduce this by 48,101 tCO2e by 2030. This will leave 23,445 tCO2e that will need to be offset in a credible way. An annual review by the Priestley International Centre for Climate will look to heighten ambition to further reduce this 2030 offset figure and make sure future offsets are academically verified as net zero compatible. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on scope 3 emissions in 2019/20, this 2020 baseline is made up of scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2019/20, and scope 3 (business travel and commuting) emissions from 2018/19 Energy demand reduction is achieved through targeted refurbishment, LED light installations, energy efficiency and the deployment of low carbon technologies across the estate.
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