University’s Net Zero Carbon Plan named best in the UK

The University of Reading's ambitious and detailed plan to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030 has been named as the best in the UK.

At an event on 16 November, the University won Net Zero Strategy of the Year in The Energy Management Awards 2021, run by the Energy Managers Association. The award represents recognition from professionals across the energy industry and places the University among the leading public and private sector organisations in the UK for sustainability.

The judges highlighted the clear, comprehensive nature of the plan, including the clearly-defined milestones to help measure progress.

The University's Net Zero Carbon plan considers every aspect of its operations, including shifting buildings to carbon-free heating, cutting emissions from national and international business travel, and reducing waste and improving efficiency across the estate.

Dan Fernbank, Energy and Sustainability Director at the University of Reading, said: "Winning Net Zero Strategy of the Year gives us the confidence that we are on the right track, and hopefully provides a template that other organisations can follow in the race to Net Zero, to limit the impacts of man-made climate change.  The hard work now lies ahead to ensure we live up to our ambitions and continue to lead the way in delivering a low carbon future."

By July 2021, the University had already achieved a 46% reduction against its baseline 2009 carbon emissions, and is aiming to achieve at least 58% emission reductions by 2024 and 70% by 2027.