Sustainable Travel

The Achieving Sustainable Travel principle of our Climate Plan sets out targets to maintain business travel and commuting emissions at 50% of their 2018/19 baseline level.

Business travel, staff and student commuting are all included in our net zero target and were responsible for 20,090 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) emissions in our baseline year. Business travel alone – such as travel to conferences, for research and on field trips - was responsible for 13,427 tonnes CO₂e.

Commuting emissions are calculated annually through our Staff and Student Travel Survey. For the first time in 2023 we will be calculating an estimate of emissions associated with travel between students’ homes and the University at the start and end of term (including international students’ travel to and from their home country).

The Sustainable Travel Steering Group is responsible for delivering the sustainable travel commitments in our Climate Plan. In order to achieve our targets we will need to work closely with the wider city and consider how we can support our staff and students to adopt more sustainable, low emission transport whilst balancing our commitments to deliver academic excellence and a just transition.

Read more about our sustainable travel commitments in the University Climate Plan. Students and staff can also access more information and discussion channels in the Climate Plan Sharepoint Hub.