Overview of the University’s science based carbon reduction targets
We have been working hard to develop science based carbon reduction targets (SBCRTs) for the Collegiate University. Each target shows by how much and how quickly different parts of the Collegiate University need to reduce their emissions, according to the latest climate science.
SBCRTs are organisation-specific targets, which reflect the particular activities and operations carried out by an individual organisation. The Collegiate University comprises a number of different parts, which differ significantly in their make-up and activities, which is why it has been necessary to develop a series of SBCRTs, rather than adopt one target for the entire University.
All of our SBCRTs have been developed to align with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement (a 1.5 degree temperature increase limit). Currently, the Science Based Targets Initiative does not provide a target validation service to the higher education sector. Whilst our SBCRTs have not been validated, they have been developed by an external consultant who has direct, relevant experience and is a member of the Science Based Target Initiative’s Technical Advisory Group.
We review our targets annually to ensure they continue to reflect the latest climate science and data underlining the development of SBCRTs.
The University’s operational estate comprises the buildings and sites that accommodate and support the University’s teaching and research, and associated administrative functions. You can find out more about the operational estate here.
In 2019, the University adopted a SBCRT that commits it to reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions from its operational estate to absolute zero by 2048. This requires a 75% reduction against 2015/16 emissions levels by 2030. The target is illustrated below.
The University has also expressed an aspiration to become zero carbon at least 10 years ahead of the target date.
The specific characteristics of North West Cambridge Development have led to the development of two, rather than one, SBCRTs:
- A carbon intensity pathway for electricity used by the estate.
- A carbon intensity pathway for heat generated and supplied by the energy centre at North West Cambridge, expressed as kg CO2e/ kWh of heat delivered.
These targets are awaiting approval and we will update this page with more information shortly.
SBCRTs have been developed for the Press’ scope 1 and 2 emissions, and for some aspects of its scope 3 emissions.
The scope 1 and 2 targets have been approved, and commit the Press to becoming zero carbon across its global operations by 2048. The Press have expressed an aspiration to achieve zero carbon by 2038.
As interim targets, the SBCRT requires the Press to:
- Reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions from its UK-based operations by 75% by 2030.
- Reduce emissions from its operations outside the UK by 65% by 2030.
- Reduce emissions from its global operations by 70% by 2030.
Further information can be found here.
A SBCRT has just been developed for Cambridge Assessment’s scope 1 and 2 emissions.
This target is awaiting approval and we will update this page with more information shortly.
The University commissioned the consultant that developed the SBCRTs for its operational estate , to develop a tool that allows each of the 31 Cambridge Colleges to develop their own SBCRT, if they choose to do so. We have also provided the Colleges with some guidance and training on how to use the tool.
Several of the Colleges are now making use of the tool and when they publish their SBCRTs we will add them to this page.