In partnership with our staff and student community, we are making a step-change in our long-standing mission to secure a more sustainable planet.
We have set ambitious, science-based carbon reduction targets: by 2030 to reduce our emissions by 63%, with an aspiration of net zero by 2040 and absolute zero by 2050.
We support Nottingham’s ambition to be the UK’s first zero carbon city by 2028 and are working with partners in China and Malaysia to improve sustainability in their regions.
Sustainability informs every aspect of life and work on our campuses, from developing state of the art spaces for research and education, to engaging with our community and partners to further embed green behaviours and practices.
COP27: together, we can make a difference
Change is possible when we all work together. Tackling climate change in a joined up way, through what we teach, what we research and how we operate gives us the best opportunity to make a real difference. We’d love you to get involved.
Andy Nolan, Director of Development and Sustainability
As a university, we’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions and showing leadership, says Andy Nolan.
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Sustainability initiatives at our university
Biodiversity
Cutting carbon and energy
Our science-based approach to slashing CO2 emissions
Between 2010-2020, the university reduced its carbon emissions by 40%. This decade, we have built on this by adopting science-based carbon reduction targets to slash our emissions even further. This approach calculates the level of carbon reduction needed to meet the Paris climate agreement and the UK Government’s aim of becoming carbon zero by 2050. Our target is to reduce our carbon emissions by 63% by 2030.
To get there, our upcoming 10-year carbon management plan focuses on demand reduction, renewable energy generation and improving building efficiencies. Whilst we already have some world-leading sustainable buildings, we will also ensure that our most energy intensive buildings are prioritised. There are also things you can do to save energy both on and off campus.
We are also committed to supporting the City of Nottingham’s goal to be a net-zero carbon city by 2028.
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Get involved
Together, we can make a difference
We’re committed to our university being truly sustainable, and we need everyone to join us in getting there.
The university, the UK, and the planet as a whole, won’t be able to meet net-zero carbon targets without us all playing our part and changing our lifestyle and patterns of consumption.
Whether you’re a student or member of staff you can make a difference. Even the smallest actions add up to big impacts. Every sustainable change we make takes us closer to our goal.
We’re making it easy for staff and students to take positive environmental action. Record your sustainable actions on Green Rewards and you’ll earn points and the chance to win vouchers for yourself and charity donations for your team.
Change is possible when we all work together.
The University of Nottingham Students' Union is hosting a series of weekly Climate Crisis talks, in the style of ‘TED Talks’, with climate activist and ex MP Alan Simpson. Each talk will outline new thinking needed to avert the worst outcomes and the re-founding of meaningful democracies that must come with it. They begin in parallel with COP27 on Tuesday 8 November and run until 13 December 2022. These are free and open to everyone. Book your place.