Wildflowers in front of the Coventry University engineering building.

Net Zero Carbon

Coventry University Group actively addresses climate change and recognises the immediate and long-term threat it poses to society globally. We have clear obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in particular, carbon dioxide and have set challenging but necessary targets to achieve Net Zero Carbon (NZC) ahead of government mandates.

Our goal is to create a low-carbon university group that equips students with the knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.

Student walking past The Hub with Coventry Cathedral ruins in the background

Decarbonisation Strategy

A summary of the project we commissioned over 2023-24 which included detailed interviews, audits and analysis of the Group's assets, emissions and decarbonisation ambitions.

Our targets

To achieve NZC by 2030 for scope 1 and 2 emissions

Our NZC strategy involves assessing all university operations, reviewing existing buildings, technologies and future energy needs. As the university evolves, we will continue prioritising resilience and adaptability while recognising both challenges and opportunities.

To achieve a 30% reduction on scope 3 emissions by 2030

These emissions are largely outside of our direct control, and we are working on methodologies to collect and reduce emissions from these sources, linked to our overall Sustainable Development Strategy.

Our strategy to 2030

Working with Turner & Townsend we have produced a full route map of how we will achieve NZC by 2030. This has considered all emission sources, establishes a baseline for scope 1 and 2 emissions and outlines strategies for measuring and reducing scope 3 emissions. It also recognises the importance of financial commitment, leadership and awareness of reducing carbon emissions amongst our staff, students, suppliers and wider partners.

Read our Sustainable Development Strategy.

Our emissions

Each building, including our UK and international campuses, has been surveyed individually. This allows us to prioritise interventions swiftly. We recognise that emissions from different sources vary significantly and must be addressed individually. Our reporting aligns with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and we provide annual data through both HESA’s estates management reporting and our Annual Sustainable Development report.

Read our GHG Emission Inventory 2023/2024.

Scope 1 and 2

Heat

Gas supplied from the grid is harder to decarbonise when compared to electricity. With most heating in the UK relying on gas boilers, addressing heat-related carbon emissions is critical.

Electricity

The increase in renewable energy feeding into the grid makes it possible to lower emissions from electricity supplies significantly.

Other sources

Emission sources
Emissions also arise from the use of air conditioning units and our vehicle fleet.

Accommodation

The university assesses the carbon emissions arising from the use of both in-house and externally provided accommodation. For 2022/23 18.2% of our scope 1 and 2 emissions arose from in-house provided accommodation, 0.4% from externally provided accommodation, making a total of 18.6% of our emissions arising from both in house and externally provided accommodation.

Scope 3

Scope 3 emissions arise from sources which are associated with the university and are outside of our direct control. This includes:

Supply chain emissions
Supply chain emissions significantly contribute to our carbon footprint. We’re collaborating with suppliers to enhance accuracy and confidence in our reporting.
Other sources
Emissions also arise from business travel, staff and student commuting, processing waste, water we use and certain leased buildings.

Collecting and baselining these emissions is the current priority for the university. There are already measures taking place to reduce these emissions, find out more in the strategy.

To achieve Net Zero Carbon for scope 1 and 2 emissions, we’ll focus on four key strategies:

1

Efficient buildings

Optimise heating controls, space utilisation and insulation in our existing structures.
2

Renewable and low carbon energy

Install more solar arrays on campus and explore district heating options.
3

Grid decarbonisation

Prioritise renewable energy sources.
4

Smart procurement

Seek alternative supplies for direct purchase of off-site renewable energy.