Professor Dan Parsons, Director at the University’s Energy & Environment Institute, said: “The threat posed by climate change is an existential one – not just an economic challenge – for all of us.
“The work we need to do, as we transition our whole economy and society to net-zero, is the greatest challenge we have ever faced.
“At the University of Hull, we have gained world-renowned expertise in the fields of low-carbon energy, climate and environmental resilience. In announcing our 2027 carbon neutral ambition last year, we are committed to playing our part in the decarbonisation of our region and planet – acting as both thought and action leaders in this critical area.”
The ‘Race To Zero’ aims to show governments that businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities are united in meeting the Paris goals, set at COP21 in 2015, and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.
At its launch in June 2020, the ‘Race To Zero’ had already mobilised a coalition of leading net-zero initiatives, representing 449 cities, 21 regions, 995 businesses, 38 of the biggest investors, and 505 universities, providing coverage of 53% of GDP (23% CO2).
The ambition is to reach coverage of 70% of the world’s total GDP by COP26 in November 2021.
The University of Hull’s vision to become carbon neutral by 2027 is currently being mapped out in a detailed strategic masterplan in partnership with Siemens.
Siemens was commissioned by the University to undertake and co-create a new energy strategy and net-zero energy plan, including a rigorous evaluation of its energy consumption, focused on reducing emissions and finding new, renewable ways to power the campus.
Work on the strategy started in late June. Once completed in early 2021, it will present a detailed roadmap of how the University will achieve carbon neutral status by 2027.
The University of Hull will achieve carbon neutrality through a variety of ways. As well as making energy savings and efficiencies across its existing infrastructure, the University will also seek new, renewable ways to power its campus.
Further work will be doing on reducing water consumption, cutting down on single-use plastics, and encouraging staff and students to make sustainable travel choices.
More details on the University’s 2027 ambition can be found here.