The Sustainability Implementation Group has published its 2021 progress report on the Sustainability Strategic Plan.
Summaries of progress in 2021 for each of the six goals are set out below:
Goal 1: Achieve net zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2030
Switched to renewable electricity saving ~ 11,200 tonnes of CO2e emissions per year (~45% of Scope 1 & 2 emissions); developed a ‘Net-Zero by 2030’ roadmap by analysing our highest emissions buildings and future options for the combined heat and power (CHP) plant.
Goal 2: Measure our total emissions footprint and set targets for Scope 3 emissions reductions
Developed a method to measure or Scope 3 emissions and estimated our total Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions to be ~ 130,000 tonnes CO2e; developed a framework for Ensuring Strategic Decisions align with the Sustainability Strategy Goals.
Goal 3: Adopt a value-based approach to reduce emissions from business travel
Invested in high-quality online video conferencing technology and trained staff and students to get the most out of it; built an emissions calculator into our booking system to help people choose the most sustainable mode of transport
Goal 4: Ensure that sustainability is a part of every University education programme by 2025
Launched a campus-wide ‘Southampton Sustainability Solutions’ e-learning module; mapped the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all University Curricula finding that all modules map to at least one SDG.
Goal 5: Make sustainability a cornerstone of UoS’ research and societal impact
Mapped all University research outputs and REF Impact Case Studies against the UN Sustainable Development Goals finding that 30% of outputs and all Impact Case Studies map to at least one SDG.
Goal 6: Implement a sustainable and ethical investment policy
Reviewed the University’s exposure to fossil fuel investments – 0.8 % of our portfolio was held within direct fossil fuel companies and a further 0.8 % within indirect fossil fuel companies; developed and implemented a Sustainable and Ethical Investment Policy
Read the full report to see the next steps in implementation of each of the goals.
Read previous SUSSED posts on Sustainability.
