With COP28 aiming for a renewed focus on youth and education, we are taking a moment to review the progress our members have made on climate and sustainability, and the ambitious work happening across the sector on climate education.
Universities have a responsibility to lead the way to a more sustainable future. The technology which will transform the world, from climate-positive gin to hydrogen-powered planes, is being developed by world-leading researchers in our institutions. With a crucial role in both their local communities and in global conversations, universities are uniquely placed to show leadership on the climate emergency. This means it’s only right that universities are leading the way, both with their own practices and with the education they provide.
Many of our members are aiming to be net zero decades before the UK government, radically changing their operations to be fit for a more sustainable future.
Over the last year, we’ve seen increasing momentum from our members on setting climate targets. In an increase since last year, 86% of members are now reporting net zero targets for scope 1 and 2 emissions, which relate to universities’ own estates and activities. In addition, 65% of members have declared targets for scope 3 emissions, which includes emissions from wider activity such as procurement and international student travel.
