Our targets
In line with SBTi guidance and good practice, we set targets across all three scopes, including net zero dates, interim emissions reductions, target coverage, and the approach to addressing any remaining emissions through carbon removals or offsets.
We aim to achieve Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2042, and for Scope 3 emissions by 2050 at the latest.
We have made significant progress, with emissions from Scope 1 and 2 already reduced by just over half against a 2005/06 baseline. This has been achieved through a combination of UK electricity grid decarbonisation, long-term renewable electricity procurement, and substantial on-site interventions such as electrification of buildings, installation of solar panels, improved heating controls, and reductions in fossil fuel use.
The next part of the journey to Net Zero will be more challenging. Our remaining emissions are concentrated in areas that require significant infrastructure change, investment and coordination across the University.
Our moderated target reductions for Scope 1 emissions reflect the challenges involved in removing gas boilers from our buildings (around 600 gas boilers, as of 2025). Our higher ambition for reducing Scope 2 emissions is supported by investment in renewables and decarbonisation of the national grid. The resulting Net Zero target date for Scope 1 and 2 emissions of 2042 remains science-aligned, and supports the case for a ‘fair share’ date set earlier than the UK legal deadline of 2050.
Our targets for Scope 3 emissions include an ambitious interim reduction target for 2030, and a Net Zero target of 2050 (at the latest). This reflects the uncertainties in the data and the challenges in reducing travel and supply chain emissions.
|
Emissions category |
Scope 1 |
Scope 2 |
Scope 3 |
|||
|
Date |
% reduction |
% coverage |
% reduction |
% coverage |
% reduction |
% coverage |
|
2030 |
30% |
95% |
70% |
100% |
42% |
67% |
|
2042 |
83% |
95% |
90% |
100% |
- |
- |
|
2050 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
90% |
95% |
|
Net Zero target year |
2042 |
2042 |
2050 |
|||
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?
Scope 1: Direct emissions from burning fuel for heating and fleet transport, and from farm livestock.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity or heat.
Scope 3: All other indirect ‘value chain’ emissions, e.g. purchased goods and services, construction and business travel.
To find out more about our targets, including our organisational, footprint and Net Zero boundaries, and our baseline emissions calculations, please see the University Climate Action Plan.