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A Net Zero University

Net Zero by 2040
A NET ZERO UNIVERSITY BY 2040
Queen's University Belfast has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 across our scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. To achieve this, we must ensure that we integrate climate action into all that we do. Our Net Zero Plan sets out a road map to how we will reach net zero emissions by 2040. 
Net Zero Plan
Queen's University Net Zero Launch Celebrations
QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY NET ZERO LAUNCH CELEBRTIONS
On Thursday 19 October 2023 the University Celebrates the launch of their Net Zero Plan

In celebration of the launch of Queen's Net Zero Plan, a number of activities took place on Thursday 19 October to recognise this momentous, and important, aspiration. 

The Net Zero Launch involved renowned international environmentalist, Sir Jonathon Porritt and a student-led discussion panel with local climate experts. The day concluded within Queen's inaugural Annual Sustainability Lecture by Sir Jonathon Porritt.  

The panel consisted of:

  • Beth Elder, Students' Union President, Queen's University Belfast - Chair
  • Kate Nicholl, MLA Belfast South
  • Professor David RooneyCentre for Advanced Sustainable Energy, Queen's University Belfast
  • Sara Lynch, Head of Sustainability, Queen's University Belfast
  • Mura Quigley, Belfast Climate Team, Belfast City Council
  • Fionán McBride, Student within the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast
  • Sir Jonathon Porritt, Guest Speaker
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A Net Zero Update

A breakdown of Queen's University scope 1, 2 and 3 based carbon emissions for the academic years 2022-2023, 2021-2022 and 2018-2019 (baseline year) .   

This data has been reported in line with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard and the Environmental Association Standardised Carbon Emissions  Framework (SCEF)

Scope 1 & 2 Emissions 2022-2023 2021-2022 2018-2019
Total Scope 1 & 2 location based carbon emissions - energy and fuel use (tCO2e) 19,448 20,503 21,631
Total Scope 1 & 2 location based carbon emissions per FTE staff and student (tCO2e/FTE) 0.78 0.82 0.97
Total Scope 1 & 2 market based carbon emissions - energy and fuel use (tCO2e) 13,967 16,387 21,631

 

Scope 3 Emissions 2022-2023 2021-2022 2018-2019
Scope 3 emissions associated with capital goods (tCO2e) 11,194 15,826 15,243
Scope 3 emissions associated with procurement of goods and services (tCO2e) 33,144 28,589 27,058
Scope 3 emissions associated with business-related travel (tCO2e) 4,309 1,702 9,450
Scope 3 emissions associated with student commuting (tCO2e) 4,639 4,983 5,250
Scope 3 emissions associated with employee commuting (tCO2e) 3,035 2,745 3,150
Scope 3 emissions associated with student travel to and from home address (tCO2e) 16,179 14,755 21,000
Scope 3 emissions associated with waste (tCO2) 59 75 102
Scope 3 emissions associated with water (tCO2) 34 20 74
Scope 3 emissions associated with sewerage (tCO2e) 55 59 201
Scope 3 emissions associated with grid transmissions and distributions (tCO2e) 519 414 434
Total Scope 3 Emissions 73,167 69,168 81,962
Contact Us

For more information on how to get involved, please contact sustainability@qub.ac.uk