University
We call on the University to commit to:
- Ambitious emissions reduction targets
We ask the University to build on its existing target of a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over five years by committing to a 30% reduction by 2020, and up to 80% by 2050. The University should recognise that in the long term it cannot deliver the necessary cuts alone, and we call on the University to use its position to push for stronger national and international policies to enable these cuts. [i] - Developing a comprehensive plan to achieve these targets, including:
- Building renewable energy capacity
We urge the University to develop plans to generate a substantial proportion of its energy requirements through building new renewable capacity, and in particular support current proposals for an anaerobic digestion plant. - Reducing the impact of university-related air travel
Dangerous climate change cannot be prevented without reversing the trend of aviation growth. We call on the University to conduct a review of the impact of its aviation, in order to develop policies to minimise emissions including a ban on domestic flights. - Establishing a forum to coordinate environmental strategies, bringing together University, Faculties & Colleges
Given the collegiate system, co-ordination and sharing best practice is essential if Cambridge University is to meaningfully reduce its environmental impact. Such co-ordination should involve all stakeholders, including staff and students.
- Building renewable energy capacity
- Promoting sustainable development within teaching and research
As the UK's leading University, Cambridge should aspire to a leading role in sustainable development, promoting multi-disciplinary research from engineering through to the social sciences, and wherever appropriate including sustainability in its curriculum. This should begin with a thorough review of the current place of sustainable development with the University's teaching and research. - Establishing a high-level post to promote sustainability
If Cambridge University is to take a leading role in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability it needs to create a high-level position with strategic responsibility for overseeing this process. We believe the correct place for such a position is within the Vice-Chancellors office.
i These emissions targets have been chosen for the following reasons: 10% is an initial target to which the University has already committed and the Colleges should follow. 30% by 2020 matches the government's sustainable procurement strategy for its own estates management. Up to 80% by 2050 recognises the need for these reductions to be within a long-term strategy. These targets are not equivalent to national emission reductions targets, which may need to be more radical.