Carbon Management Summary

The University's carbon emissions were calculated in detail by Energy for Sustainable Development Ltd in July 2003. The calculations for emissions for 2003 totalled 26,000 tons per year from the Claverton site.

The emissions calculation broke down as follows :

• Buildings/Electricity - 26%
• Buildings/Gas - 37%
• Transport - 35%
• Paper - 1%
• Water - 1%

The transport emissions, which totalled 9,187 tons, can be further broken down as follows :

• University business travel - 20%
• Commuting students public transport - 5%
• Commuting students private transport - 14%
• Commuting staff public transport - 1%
• Commuting staff private transport - 36%
• Overseas student home trips - 24%

Energy for Sustainable Development Ltd proposed a carbon reduction of 20% for the University by 2010 when compared with a 2002 baseline. This compares with the UK's general obligations under the KYOTO protocol of a reduction of 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2012 and an aspirational target of 20% by 2010.

In the event, the Low Carbon and Sustainability Advisory Group determined that such a target was unlikely to be attainable given the growth rates prevalent in the University. A revised target was therefore adopted by the group of 12.5% in CO2 emissions from gas contributions and electricity usage per square metre by 2010.

It is anticipated that this target will be met predominantly by significant energy reductions on two major projects. The first, the replacement of 4 West, is already in hand with the new building embracing a low energy, low carbon profile. Within the period 2010, a second major replacement or upgrade project will be necessary on one of the original 1960s buildings to enable the target to be reached, as well as some improvements in behavioural attitudes and priorities.

For further details, please see Carbon Management Strategy : Executive Summary.

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