THE UNIVERSITY OF READING has halved its carbon emissions over the past 13 years, according to most recent data.
Its environmental sustainability report 2021-22 shows a 51 percent reduction in carbon emissions since 2008-09, equating to more than 167,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The announcement is a significant milestone in the institution’s ambition to reach net zero carbon status by 2030.
Dan Fernbank, energy and sustainability director at the university, said: “Addressing climate change and ensuring environmental sustainability is at the heart of the university’s mission and hitting these targets is a sign of our success on this path. This means our vision to become one of the greenest universities in the world is becoming a reality.
“Setting ambitious sustainability targets, such as our commitment to become a Net Zero Carbon university by 2030, is all very well and good, but it is delivering against these targets that really matters. There is much to celebrate, but much more yet to be done before we achieve all our goals.”
Other achievements highlighted in the report include reducing water usage by 43 percent since 2011-12, exceeding its target of 35 percent, ensuring 87 percent of commutes to campus made by staff and students are via sustainable means and recycling or reusing 60 percent of all waste generated on site.
Reading’s sustainability projects saw it nominated for Sustainable Institution of the Year at the Green Gown Awards in Loughborough on Tuesday, November 8. The awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken across the higher education sector.
The university was nominated and highly commended in two further categories: Campus Health, Food & Drink and Next Generation Learning & Skills, for making its food and drink offering more sustainable and for its climate education projects, such as the Climate Ambassadors Scheme.
The institution has expressed its commitment to building on its international partnerships with various environmental and research organisations, continuing to address major issues such as climate change and helping the world respond to natural hazards such as floods, storms and heatwaves.
