Carbon Management Plan - July 2025
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Introduction
Our Carbon Management Plan is a key element of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy: Sustainable Futures. It outlines our approach to achieving Carbon Net Zero (Scope 1 and 2) and quantifies the emissions associated with Scope 3, enabling us to develop a future plan for reducing those emissions.
Net Zero target and baseline
Cardiff University has a target to reach Net Zero carbon Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and Scope 3 by 2050. We have been reporting our energy data to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) since 2005/06, and since 2014/15 for fleet data.
Our Scope 1, 2 and 3 baseline emissions and the associated carbon emission reductions are provided in Table 1 below:
| Category | Scope | Baseline year | Baseline emissions (tCO₂e) | 2023/24 emissions (tCO₂e) | Change in tCO₂e since baseline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 1 | 2005/6 | 13,212 | 14,005 | +6% |
| Electricity | 2 | 2005/6 | 18,583 | 11,098 | -40% |
| F-gases and anaesthetic gases | 1 | 2021/22 | 506 | 198 | -61% |
| Fleet | 1 | 2014/15 | 91 | 68 | -25% |
| Fuel- and energy-related activities | 3 | 2021/22 | 5,991 | 5,967 | -0% |
| Purchased goods and services | 3 | 2022/23 | 125,544 | 125,438 | -0% |
| Business travel | 3 | 2022/23 | 2,996 | 3,071 | +3% |
| Staff commuting | 3 | 2022/23 | 3,299 | 3,121 | -5% |
| Homeworking | 3 | 2021/22 | 543 | 803 | +48% |
| UK and International student travel | 3 | 2022/23 | 1,950 | 1,842 | -6% |
| Waste | 3 | 2021/22 | 73 | 51 | -30% |
| Water | 3 | 2021/22 | 73 | 79 | -39% |
In addition to the University targets set above, our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan specifies the annual actions and targets for each area of sustainability. This document delineates commitments, performance indicators, and defined responsibilities. It is reviewed and updated annually to remain responsive to new evidence, risks, and changing circumstances.
Budget and delivery
Responsibility Over the last year, £35m has been allocated to Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 projects through internal funding and loan applications. A Net Zero implementation plan is currently being drafted to identify the long-term funding required to achieve our targets.
The delivery of Net Zero projects is the responsibility of the Estates Department. The Net Zero Programme Manager develops and reviews the Net Zero Programme, working closely with the Estates Capital and Maintenance teams to ensure its delivery. The Director of Estates has strategic oversight of the Net Zero Programme.
Monitoring
Progress is monitored at both strategic and operational levels. Our carbon footprint dashboard enables us to monitor Scope 1 and 2 emissions on a monthly basis, allowing us to evaluate the performance of local interventions. The frequency of Scope 3 data varies by category, ranging from monthly to annual, and a rolling 12-month Scope 3 footprint is calculated each quarter. An annual footprint is finalised after each academic year to monitor progress at the university level and confirm our general trend. Any deviations from our expected progress will be investigated and challenged.
Document information
Document approved by: Anita Edson (Director of Estates)
Date: 04/08/2025