University of Reading is now an official Race to Zero signatory

By jackiesimpsonJul 28, 20210 Comments
The Race to Zero global COP26 campaign seeks to mobilise leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and universities for a healthy and resilient zero carbon recovery. This campaign seeks to build momentum for the shift to decarbonised economies in the run up to COP26. The University of Reading has joined over 500 other universities in becoming a signatory of this campaign, which provides a significant and unified signal to governments that this sector is committed to meeting their obligations under the Paris agreement. This campaign mobilises a coalition of different sectors which, together with 120 countries, represent the largest…
Compliance and Systems, Policy
Read More

Earth Day 2021

By naomiwadsworthApr 22, 20210 Comments
The publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” in 1962 marked a watershed moment in our planet’s history, raising public awareness and concern for our environment, our wildlife and the links between pollution and human health. The emerging shift in public consciousness and societal values was provided a voice during the first Earth Day in 1970. Since its inception, Earth Day has marked important environmental events, including the signing of the 2015 Paris Agreement. This year the theme for Earth Day is ‘Restore our Earth’ bringing focus to climate change mitigation and actions we can take to restore our planet’s ecosystems.…
Behaviour Change, Policy
Read More

Annual Sustainability Report 2019/20

By lukecantellowNov 20, 20200 Comments
Our latest annual environmental sustainability report, covering the 2019/20 academic year, is now available here. The report summarises progress against our key sustainability targets over the past 12 months, reviews wider sustainability initiatives and looks to the upcoming year. This year, we have also had to take into account the impacts of Covid-19 in our reporting; so as well as reporting our absolute impacts on the environment, where possible, we have also included progress to the end of January 2020. Highlights By January 2020, the University had achieved a 44% reduction in its carbon footprint compared to its 2008/9 baseline. This…
Policy
Read More

In defence of ‘Net Zero’ Carbon

By danfernbankSep 30, 20200 Comments
“Net zero carbon" seems to be the new catch phrase in discussions on climate change action, but what does it mean, and is it just green wash? It's fair to say there are different interpretations of what 'net zero' means, and some frankly dubious claims being made about appropriate pathways to net zero. That said, there are good guidelines available which set boundaries and standards for robust net Zero plans, such as PAS 2060 and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The University sees Net Zero Carbon as meaning: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as little as possible and then…
Energy and Water, Policy, , ,
Read More

Going green in 2019

By danfernbankJan 02, 20190 Comments
As 2019 begins, we take a look at our plans for delivering environmental sustainability at the University this coming year. Where we are 2018 was our most successful year yet sustainability-wise, with major reductions in waste production and water consumption and increases in sustainable travel levels. For an interactive look back, view our Annual Sustainability Report. Where we’re going Continuous improvement is a key part of strong environmental management, and 2019 promises to be no exception. Energy hack We are developing plans for our first ever ‘Energy Hack’, building on the success of previous Blackout events to reduce energy consumption in…
Energy and Water, Policy, Travel and Transport, Waste and Recycling
Read More

Why meeting our carbon target matters and how we can achieve it

By joburtonAug 07, 20150 Comments
  Opinion: Dan Fernbank, Energy Manager  Back in 2011, the University committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 35% by July 2016; one of the most ambitious targets set amongst our peers over the timescale.  For very many reasons, meeting that target matters. We have invested over £3 million in energy efficiency initiatives since 2011; already returning almost £10 million in cumulative financial savings.  In a period when the funding model for universities has fundamentally shifted, savings of this size make an important contribution to the university remaining financially as well as environmentally sustainable.  Both the investment and savings to…
Energy and Water, Policy
Read More

Latest carbon reduction projects underway

By joburtonApr 01, 20140 Comments
Here’s our latest carbon reduction project news.  Lighting improvements We’ve been investing in lots more energy efficient lighting, with improvements in 3 of the SAGES (School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science) buildings now pretty much complete.  As well as more modern, efficient light fittings, intelligent sensors have been installed to make sure the lights dim/turn off when there is either sufficient daylight, or no one is present.  Further lighting work is shortly due to begin in the Maths & IT building and the Harborne building and our thanks go to the Green Impact teams in both buildings, who highlighted…
Energy and Water, Policy
Read More

University awarded £500,000 of energy efficiency funding

By joburtonMay 27, 20130 Comments
The University has been successful in a £500,000 bid for energy efficiency funding to HEFCE’s Revolving Green Fund.  This funding is a major boost to reaching our 35% carbon reduction target by 2016, and will be invested in a wide range of projects over the next 15 months.  Planned projects include: Expanding our energy metering in key buildings right across the estate, to increase our understanding of how buildings are performing Continuing our programme of upgrading inefficient lighting and installing lighting sensors where appropriate Investigating the suitability of LED street lighting and subsequent installations Surveying Whiteknights’ campus buildings to identify…
Awards and Achievements, Policy
Read More