Latest sustainability report shows 61% carbon reduction

Our institutional carbon emissions were reduced by another 10% in 2022/23, meaning a reduction of nearly two thirds over the last 14 years.

The latest annual Environmental Sustainability Report lists several achievements during the last academic year, including major projects to reduce energy use, waste reduction, impactful research and partnerships.

The report is produced by our Sustainability Services colleagues to record progress against the Sustainability principle in our University Strategy and our commitment to tackling global issues laid out in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Highlights in the 2022/23 report include:

• Reaching a 61% reduction in carbon emissions compared to our 2008/09 baseline – well ahead of our target of a 57.5% reduction by July 2024.
• Producing 3.6% of our renewable energy on campus using our solar panels.
• An overall 4.3% energy reduction. Energy-saving projects included insulation loft space in Edith Morley and lighting upgrades, which will save 255 tonnes of carbon per year and cut our energy bills by £276,000.
• Diverting 98.8% of waste from landfill – up from 98.3% last year and just short of our 99% target. We now produce 41kg of waste per person on campus – down from 62kg in 2015/16 and 35% below our 2015/16 baseline. This is partly down to a reduction in single-use items and packaging, and redistributing or repairing 22 tonnes of furniture during the year.
• Installing automatic water meters at 17 of our largest supply points. This will allow us to monitor water use much more closely and address an increase in usage compared to last year.
• Lending out a record high 60 bikes through our bike hire scheme, and welcoming 200 people to our Dr Bike sessions.
• Striking a partnership with Great Western Railway to offer discounted train fares for people attending visit days, open days and graduation, to reduce higher-carbon car journeys.
• Achieving Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) awards for carbon-cutting work in our laboratories.
• Taking a leading role in Reading Climate Festival in May.
• Publishing an updated Travel Policy to support and prioritise low-carbon business travel.

Plans for 2023/24 include publishing a full biodiversity plan for our campuses, continuing with heat pump installations at our Energy Centre and SportsPark. A new Travel Plan will also be developed, exploring everything from more electric vehicle chargers on campus, to bus service improvements and improved cycle security.

The Our Future First campaign, launched this year, will continue to encourage and support green behaviours at an individual level among colleagues. A team of more than 40 champions has been mobilised to lead change in their Schools and Functions. Look out for colleague stories and ways you can get involved over the coming months.

See our Partnering for the Planet website for more information on our environmental research, partnerships and action on campus.