The cultural shift of decarbonisation: Empowering university sustainability strategies

Following the announcement of the 2035 ICE (internal combustion engine) ban and the UK government’s decarbonisation initiative to achieve net zero by 2050, significant issues in the public sector’s road to decarbonisation have become apparent. These include a lack of public engagement, funding concerns for developing net zero infrastructure and conflicts of interest associated with decarbonisation. These challenges are especially prevalent in the higher education sector.  

Reports from The Institute of Mechanical Engineers have identified only 52 out of 127 UK universities are on track to meet legally binding decarbonisation targets. This has highlighted areas of improvement for educational establishments, for example, through campus engagement, data-informed decision-making, examining conflicting strategic aims, and maximising partnerships.

Campus engagement

The first element in campus decarbonisation is engagement. Decarbonisation should be regarded as a collective effort across all stakeholders. Staff and students should also be made aware of ongoing carbon reduction efforts and identify how they can contribute, reinforcing the collective efforts of the university.

Data-informed decision-making

Concise data analysis will also prove crucial to a university’s net zero journey. Data benchmarking and emission projections should inform all strategic decision-making for not only universities but for the entirety of the public sector. The EAUC (The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education) recommends universities ensure decarbonisation efforts are focused and proportionate to a particular establishment.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers also suggests, “University campuses should serve as test beds for new energy technologies”, since they are an ideal investment area to help develop net zero infrastructure whilst analysing the environmental impact and guiding wider society on the most effective route to achieve net zero.  

Conflicting strategic aims

It is vital to consider the potential impact of university strategies on emissions. Strategic aims that conflict with successful decarbonisation could be perceived as greenwashing. Tackling a conflicting strategic aim is also an opportune moment to promote transparency within the sector. Identifying and questioning a conflict could be as simple as reviewing term times to reduce international students’ flights which could greatly reduce the university’s carbon emissions.

Partnerships

Decarbonising the higher education sector will require a guided, collaborative and sector-led approach. The Royal Anniversary Trust regards maximising partnerships between the higher and further education sectors as imperative, as they could provide enhanced insight into the effectiveness of decarbonisation infrastructure. This is particularly important for universities that would benefit from vital support to achieve net zero goals.  

Zest is investing in EV charging infrastructure for organisations in the higher education sector to promote EV adoption, support transport decarbonisation, and accelerate towards net zero goals. We provide progressive universities with infrastructure and a fully funded solution. Our partnerships seek to not only decarbonise the sector but to define the integral role of higher education in national decarbonisation efforts.

Zest is confident that we will deliver a best-in-class solution, alongside a customer experience and focus that is unique in the industry.

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