Scotland’s Climate Week spotlights green transport and home heating emissions
This year’s Climate Week highlights the areas where we can take action for the biggest climate reduction impact. Many of our staff and students are already taking climate positive actions that reduce our carbon emissions and bring about other health and environmental benefits.
Our response to the climate emergency aims to be world-leading, with a commitment to becoming net zero carbon by 2040. To date, the University has reduced its carbon emissions by 24 per cent since 2007-08. Carbon emissions for 2020-21 were 65,754 tonnes CO₂e, compared to 86,707 tonnes CO₂e in 2007-08. We are in the process of reviewing our Climate Strategy torespond to climate and environmental crises at the scale required.
Driving down transport emissions
Transport accounts for roughly a quarter of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest sectoral emitter, with cars making up 41% of transport emissions. Reducing transport emissions use is essential if Scotland is to reach net zero by 2045, and cutting car usage is an impactful step that many of us can take.
There are plenty of other benefits to minimising car usage too, from improving air quality to boosting health benefits. Many of our staff are already championing car-free commutes, opting for public transport, cycling or walking.
I save more than 200 car-miles a month by cycling to work. Door to Door it takes a similar amount of time as the car but the biggest win for me is the route itself. 80% of it is on cycle paths along the coast and green corridors that drivers don’t even know exist!
Walking to the office gives me time and headspace to switch modes from home to work, and makes me feel part of my neighbourghood and the city. It’s also the most reliable way of getting about I’m never stressed about traffic or roadworks.
The University of Edinburgh staff opting for car-free commuting
How you can go car-free
Feeling inspired to reduce your car journeys? The University’s Transport Office has a number of initiatives that can help.
This includes a trial eBike scheme, helping you to decide if commuting by eBike is a good fit for your circumstances. If you decide you like the experience, you can use the Cycle to Work scheme to get your own. This usually provides a discount of around 32%. Try before you buy eBike scheme
Car sharing is another great way of cutting down on car travel and reducing road and parking congestion.. Did you know that a commuter will typically save over £1,000 a year?
By joining the University of Edinburgh Liftshare scheme you can find someone to share your journey with, and begin to save money and whilst lowering harmful emissions.
Join by 30 September for the chance to win a £100 voucher!
Climate conscious business travel
The University has adopted a climate conscious approach to business travel, implemented through the Sustainable Travel Policy.
This approach involves reducing overall travel; replacing high carbon modes of transport with low carbon modes ones and sequestering remaining emissions.
Climate conscious travel at the University
Energy efficiency and home heating
At the moment in Scotland, around 22% of greenhouse gas emissions come from our homes and workplaces. That makes reducing emissions from heating buildings one of the top ways we can take action to meet net zero targets.
We’re working hard to reduce energy consumption across our University’s Estate, and since 2016/17 the we have invested £8 million in 115 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Energy efficiency across our estate
Heating your home without heating the planet
As winter approaches and temperatures fall, here are top tips recommended by staff for maximising heat insulation in their homes:
- Use draft excluders at the base of doors
- Close blinds and curtains when darkness falls to keep heat in
- Get a rug for flooring without carpeting
- Ensure radiators aren't blocked by furniture, make sure the warm air can circulate throughout the room
- If you’re renting, ask your landlord for other ways they can draft proof your home
Keeping your home warm doesn't have to mean relying on fossil fuels. It's worth finding out how your energy provider sources their energy, and switching to one of the UK’s renewable-based energy providers. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support a growing green industry.
If you're a homeowner in Scotland, did you know that you could get government funded support up to £15,000 to install both insulation and a heat pump? Find out more via the Home Energy Scotland website.
Home Energy Scotland (external site)