Meeting HE carbon targets

EAUC Annual Conference 23 March 2010

Joanna SimpsonSenior Policy Adviser

• Developed in partnership with UUK and GuildHE

• Carbon reduction research by SQW

• Consultation

• Two consultation seminars – September 2009

• 120 consultation responses

• Published January 2010

Carbon reduction strategy

• Challenging targets for sector and society

• 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 against a 1990 baseline (scope 1 and 2 emissions)

• will require commitment, creativity and innovation

• development of scenarios

• Support from HEFCE, UUK and GuildHE

• ‘Leading sustainable development in higher education’

Carbon reduction strategy

• Scope 3 emissions

• Funding incentives

• Revolving Green Fund

• Capital funding will be linked to carbon performance

• Other government grants

• Monitoring, reporting and evaluation

Carbon reduction strategy

What does it mean for English HEIs?• Requirement for institutions to set their own targets and

develop carbon management plans

• Based on own circumstances and ambitions

• Linking capital funding to carbon performance through the Capital Investment Framework

• More specific and demanding requirements in relation to carbon

• New metrics on carbon emissions relative to income, student & staff numbers

• Institutions to report progress in implementing carbon management plans and on results achieved

• Changes to the financial memorandum

• Higher Ambitions – the future of universities in a knowledge economy

Policy directions

‘Acting as an important agent in the transition to a low carbon economy, both by setting their own ambitious strategies for decarbonisation and also by acting as a source of public debate, engagement and leadership on climate change’ Higher Ambitions

• Skills for Growth

• Climate Change Act

• HE sector carbon budgets

• UK Low Carbon Transition Plan

‘necessary transition to low carbon, right for climate change, energy security and jobs’ Ed Miliband

• Review of higher education and student finance

Policy directions

The financial challengeCurrent position

Real terms growth in HE funding

Variable fees

Reduction in capital funding for 2010/11

New position

Reduced spending

Financial implications of legislation

Future capital funding?

Response

Working together to make case for investment

Tough choices

Invest-to-save

New balance of public, student and employer funding

Impact

• Universities leading on major societal challenges – climate change, energy, food and water security

• Autonomous institutions with a strong commitment to excellence in learning, research and knowledge exchange

• Contributing to economic recovery and future growth

• Universities in their communities

www.hefce.ac.uk/lgm/sustain/

Joanna Simpson

j.simpson@hefce.ac.uk

0117 9317411