University Of Southampton

University of Southampton has made significant climate commitments, aiming for net zero emissions by 2030.

In 2023, the university reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 135,600,000 kg CO2e. This figure comprises approximately 17,420,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1, approximately 1,000,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2, and approximately 117,400,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The Scope 3 emissions were broken down into approximately 5,800,000 kg CO2e for business travel, 2,300,000 kg CO2e for employee commute, and 101,000,000 kg CO2e for purchased goods and services.

Previously, in 2022, total emissions were reported as approximately 1,403,000,000,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at approximately 181,000,000,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at approximately 10,000,000,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 1,212,000,000,000 kg CO2e. In 2021, total emissions were approximately 1,154,000,000,000 kg CO2e, including Scope 1 at approximately 178,000,000,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at approximately 48,000,000,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 928,000,000,000 kg CO2e.

The university has a stated goal to achieve net zero emissions for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030. Milestones include eliminating gas use, refurbishing buildings to reduce energy demand, and switching to renewable electricity supply, which was completed in June 2021. The University of Southampton also has a written and approved plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. In line with sector targets, the university previously aimed to reduce carbon emissions from gas and electricity by 20% by 2020, compared to a 2005/06 baseline.