Carbon emissions

The University’s long-term objective is to become net zero carbon by 2040. To date, the University has reduced its overall carbon emissions by 19 per cent since the academic year 2007-08, its baseline year.

Increase in business travel and electricity use

Carbon emissions for the academic year 2021-22 are 70,363 tonnes CO₂e. Absolute carbon emissions increased by approximately seven per cent compared to the previous academic year (2020-21).

This has been driven by an increase in carbon emissions associated with business travel. The volume of business travel increased with the lifting of international travel restrictions put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carbon emissions associated with electricity also increased by 13 per cent compared to the previous academic year. This was driven by increased occupancy and use of buildings with more staff and students working and studying on campus.

Last year, the University met its interim 2025 carbon reduction targets. This includes returning carbon emissions to baseline year levels and reducing emissions of carbon per £ million turnover by 50 per cent from baseline year levels.

Zero by 2040

Absolute carbon emissions

Use the arrow to scroll through to see emissions by type and by scope.

Relative carbon emissions

The graph below shows relative emissions for floor area and income. Use the arrow to see relative emissions by student and staff numbers.