Energy demand and associated carbon emissions for Northumbria University estate: one School approach

Abstract

In 2010, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) signalled universities to have a more demanding approach to carbon reduction in line with UK targets. HEFCE created targets for Scope 1 (direct emissions - fuel for heating etc.) and Scope 2 (emissions from purchased electrical consumption) emissions, and set a timetable for institutions to monitor and report Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions such as staff and student travel). Based on these external policy drivers, and others, the development of strategies towards sustainable procurement and climate change mitigation is now a high priority for the HE sector. Work undertaken at the School of the Built and Natural Environment at Northumbria University will be presented as an example of strategy implementation. The School has undertaken a policy review, an assessment of curriculum content in respect of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a carbon footprint assessment and has recently made a commitment to reduce its environmental impact over an academic year. Research within the School is also investigating the electrical consumption of ICT equipment using data from a sample of buildings within the University estate. The case study shall discuss the process of data collection, as well as dissemination, to inform colleagues of the individual impacts of work-based practices