The University of Liverpool has launched an ambitious plan to become net zero by 2035 – 15 years ahead of the UK Government’s legal commitment of 2050.
- Measures include retrofitting of buildings with energy efficiency measures, a plan to decarbonise energy supply, introducing ‘Sustainability Champions’ and exploring external funding opportunities for climate research.
- The University plans to develop a Living Lab to utilise its world class research capability and test innovative solutions to climate change.
Published today, ‘Climate Plan 2022-35’ sets out a number of measures the University will take in order to reach net zero, including:
- ensuring efficient utilisation of space across campus;
- a programme of retrofitting buildings to ensure heat and electricity use is optimised;
- developing a plan to decarbonise energy supply; and,
- continuing the focus on climate research.
Another major element of the plan is the establishment of a ‘Living Lab’ programme which will bring together research, teaching, and operations activity and see the University become a test bed for innovative and implementable climate solutions.
Students will also be encouraged to play their role in the fight against climate change with a community of Sustainability Champions launched in all faculties and directorates. These champions will work in partnership with the Guild of Students to ensure all students understand how they can make a difference and get involved in making the Climate Plan a reality.
Nicola Davies, Chief Financial Officer and Chair of the University’s Sustainability Board, said:
“The University of Liverpool is committed to building a more sustainable world for our staff, students, and the whole of society. We believe through being responsible custodians of our estate, leveraging our world class research output and harnessing the enthusiasm of our staff and students, we will ensure the University is net zero carbon by 2035 at the latest, and meet our wider sustainability ambitions too.
“The launch of the Climate Plan today marks an important step toward achieving our goals and sets out how our whole community can play their part in securing the future of our planet.”