- Increased energy use due to increased ventilation and heating needs to meet Covid-19 responsibilities.
- Recycling rates fell from 57% in 2019/20 to 37% in 2020/21 due to waste contractor issues and limited on-site activity.
- Continued use of Mansion site contributed to not meeting energy consumption reduction target.
- High private car commuting at Medway and Avery Hill campuses.
- Significant procurement emissions impacting carbon footprint.
University of Greenwich
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2020-2021 reporting, University of Greenwich disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 5.7M tonnes (location based); 2987913 tonnes (market based). By scope: Scope 3: 13.4K tonnes. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
5.7M tonnes (location based); 2987913 tonnes (market based)
2020-2021
Water Usage
Slight decrease from previous year
2020-2021
Waste
49% reduction since 2009/10
2020-2021
Energy Use
486.0K kWh increase from previous year
2020-2021
📊 Emissions by Scope (2020-2021)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 13.4K tonnes |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 5.7M tonnes (location based); 2987913 tonnes (market based) |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- 54% reduction of carbon emissions against 2009/10 Carbon Management Plan baseline of a 40% reduction target.
- 35,376 kWh of electricity generated from Avery Hill’s solar panels
- Supply chain emissions reduced by 22% by 13,361 tonnes (scope 3 emissions)
- 37% recycling rates (excluding construction wastes)
- Investment in two electric double-decker buses and two hybrid coaches
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce Non Residential Energy Consumption by 14% by 2022 from a 2015/16 baseline
- Achieve a 70% recycling rate (by weight) of non-construction wastes
- Reduce total weight of non-construction wastes by 5% annually
- Reduce water consumption by 1% per annum
📅 Medium-term
- Develop and implement a biodiversity policy that seeks to protect and enhance wildlife on campus.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
EnergyCarbonTravel and TransportConsumption, Waste and RecyclingWaterSustainable FoodEcosystems ServicesConstruction and RefurbishmentEducation and ResearchGovernance