Energy and carbon
We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions. Find out about our net zero targets, plans to decarbonise heat and carbon management progress. You'll also like to read our Energy Policy.
Join us on our journey to lower emissions and reach net zero
We are working hard to meet our energy and carbon management targets.
We recognise human-induced climate change is one of the world's greatest threats. We also recognise our day-to-day operations as a University cause the release of carbon emissions and other Greenhouse Gases. We therefore have a duty to reduce these emissions where possible.
To reduce our impact, we have committed to an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by the end of the academic year 2038/2039. We have also committed to achieve Scope 3 carbon emissions by 2050/2051.
We are working hard to reduce our emissions associated with all our operations. To achieve this, we are:
- Procuring renewable energy
- Installing energy efficiency technology
- Improving the control and use of building systems
- Utilising low and zero-carbon technologies
Reducing emissions
Our carbon management progress
To date, we have reduced our operational Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 68% from a pre-established 2005/6 baseline.
Our carbon management budget
We remain committed to reducing our operational CO2 emissions. To achieve this, we keep an annual Carbon Management budget. This budget is dedicated to the continuous investment of energy efficiency measures across the Kingston University Estate.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Our carbon management practices tie in with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals aim to transform our world and promote prosperity for all while protecting our planet.
Our policy on energy efficiency supports 'Affordable and clean energy', 'Responsible consumption and production' and 'Climate action'.
Decarbonising heat
Decarbonisation of heat is a key challenge to overcome in order to successfully achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Currently across the estate, natural gas is used for heating and hot water generation. This results in the direct release of CO2 emissions.
We have developed a detailed Heat Decarbonisation Plan (HDP) for each campus to combat these CO2 emissions. The plan was possible thanks to our successful grant application via the Low Carbon Skills Fund.
The HDPs present a systematic approach to phase out reliance on fossil fuels for heating and hot water by 2038/39.
Want to read our Energy Policy?
Our Energy Policy is updated every two years. It provides clear objectives to ensure we continue to reduce our emissions.
All staff, students, consultants and contractors are expected to collaborate to help deliver energy reduction and efficiencies.
Procuring energy
The day-to-day operations of Kingston University create a significant demand for energy. We must ensure cost, consumption and carbon are continually reviewed during the procurement process. Therefore, we are a proud member of the not-for-profit public buying organisation, The Energy Consortium (TEC).
When procuring energy, we actively explore methods to procure energy from low or zero carbon sources. At the same time, we must ensure value for money and cost certainty.
In October 2019, we joined a pioneering renewable energy contract with 19 other universities. The contract supplies us with >4111MW 100% renewable energy from UK wind farms per year. This figure is equivalent to 35% of demand. The PPA is backed with REGO certification.
Get in touch to talk about sustainability
Got a question about sustainability at Kingston University?
Call us on +44 (0)7767 932 944 or send us an email.
You can also visit us in person at:
Estates and Sustainability
Services Building
Penrhyn Road Campus
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom
