Emissions Data
We have reported greenhouse gas emissions data annually to HESA since 2015, and from 2021-22 onwards have published our full emissions inventory on our website as part of our annual reporting.
We also provide quarterly updates through the net zero principle of the Climate Plan, which includes estate-based (energy) emissions.
Emissions reporting is overseen by the Net Zero Data Reporting Group, who approve publication annually.
Annual emissions reports
Reporting methodology
Our emissions reporting approach aligns with the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol to ensure clarity and consistency. We report scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions.
Scope 1
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources that an organisation owns or controls directly.
Our scope 1 emissions data includes all the fuel used across our estate (excluding purchased electricity) including student residences and off campus sites, fleet vehicles, agricultural emissions and fugitive (unintentional) emissions from air conditioning units.
Scope 2
Scope 2 are indirect emissions from purchased energy, e.g. electricity.
Our scope 2 emissions include all the purchased electricity used across our estate, including student residences and off campus sites, including purchased electricity used in electric and plug in hybrid vehicles. It also includes purchased heat.
Scope 3
Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that are not covered within scope 1 and 2.
They are created as a result of an organisation's activity, but are not in the organisation's direct control.
Our scope 3 reporting covers purchased goods and services, capital goods, waste generated in operations, business travel, commuting and supply chain emissions.
Annual travel survey data is used to report staff and student commuting. Our supply chain emissions are based on a hybrid reporting approach using a combination of the 'HESCET' tool and supplier emissions data, which incorporates transport of goods to the University.
Scope 3 also includes the emissions associated with 'downstream leased assets' - energy use in buildings which are leased by the University to others. Prior to 2023-24 these emissions were classified as scope 1 and 2.
We currently do not report scope 3 emissions associated with student travel to and from the institution or home working emissions. We are working on methodologies to better understand these emissions sources.