By 2030

• We aim to achieve carbon neutrality for our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (including onsite energy use and purchased electricity)

By 2050 or earlier

• We aim to achieve net zero across all remaining Scope 3 emissions, such as business travel, procurement, and wider supply chain activity.

Effective decarbonisation and energy management across our portfolio contribute directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 1 No Poverty
• SDG 3 Good Health and Well Being
• SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 14 Life Below Water
• SDG 15 Life on Land

The Carbon Plan and Carbon Action Plan set out phased, practical actions to deliver credible progress towards net zero.

Cutting Carbon from Energy

• REGO‑backed green electricity contract already in place
• Significant reduction in gas use by 2028; full phase‑out by 2040 (with limited offsetting potentially required between 2030–2040)
• Expansion of onsite renewables, including solar PV
• Exploration of low‑carbon heating solutions

Improving Building Performance

• Modernisation of Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Upgrades to sub‑metering infrastructure
• Improved insulation and reduced energy waste

These measures lower operating costs, improve comfort, and prepare the University for a fully electrified future.

Working in Partnership for a Greener Suffolk

We are proud to collaborate with organisations across the region to deliver meaningful climate action. Our partnerships include:

• Contributing to the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan
• Supporting the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership
• Participating in the Greener Ipswich group to champion biodiversity within climate action

Alongside this, we:

• Review annually our Carbon Plan and Carbon Action Plan
• Have a clear focus on maintaining momentum towards 2030 and 2050 targets
• Have a long‑term carbon plan and carbon action plan supporting a healthier, more resilient future

Together, these partnerships extend our impact beyond campus, strengthen regional climate resilience, and empower students, staff, partners and communities to make sustainable choices.

25/26 academic year: Our micro-placement student (30 hours of paid work) has been designing a Switch-Off Campaign during the 25/26 year, with the campaign to run in 2026/27. This campaign has been designed with students' voices at the core.

There are lots of tips out there on how to live more sustainably, have a look at the web pages below:

• Energy Saving Trust - Top 10 Energy Saving Tips 
• EDF - Top Tips for Saving Energy 
• Save the Student - 17 Energy Saving Tips to Save Money on Bills 
• National Energy Action - Top Energy Saving Tips 
• Energy Saving Trust - Home Insulation to Reduce Heat Loss 
• Times Higher Education - Sustainable Six: Tips to Become a Greener Student 
• UCAS - Traveling around the UK 
• Money Saving Expert - University Travel Guides
• BBC Food - Easy Recipes for Students 

There's lots of other tips - Youtube is a good place to explore, as is google searches. 

Curious how sustainable your life currently is? These carbon footprint calculators can help. A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by the activities of a particular individual, organisation, or community. 

• WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator
• Water Footprint Calculator

Continued progress in our decarbonisation efforts was made; highlights include:

• Successful attainment of the ECO Campus Silver Award, demonstrating both operational improvements and strategic leadership in environmental stewardship
• Strengthening of our building control systems through the continued rollout of our BMS upgrades and sub‑metering programme
• Advancements in our Transport and Travel Plan, supported by full-year business travel data that establishes a robust baseline for monitoring and reducing emissions

Total Emissions

Total emissions was 457.984 tCO₂e (20% increase year‑on‑year, driven by expanded business travel reporting)

Scope breakdown 2024/25

Scope 1:

• • Gas emissions reduced by 24.86% to 225.737 tCO₂e due to efficiency and infrastructure improvements

Scope 2:

• • Emissions remain zero, as our electricity continues to be supplied under a REGO backed‑ (Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin) contract

Scope 3:

• • Scope 3 emissions increased due to the inclusion of comprehensive business travel data. Other categories show ongoing improvements, including efficiency benefits from reduced water consumption and transmission/distribution losses. These areas offer opportunities for further emissions reductions through virtual collaboration and more sustainable travel behaviour

Solar PV Generation:

• • Solar PV generation: 122,894 kWh
  • Energy use across 6 buildings is now offset by our on-site solar generation. 

For further detail, please refer to the 2024-2025 Sustainability Report.