Since 2010 the University has been driving down carbon emissions and by 2020/21 had achieved a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions compared with a 2005 baseline. This is significant progress which was driven by our investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and behaviour change initiatives.
In 2020, the University committed to a set of ambitious new targets, including Net Zero Carbon by 2030. This covers all University activities and includes scope 3 emissions. For the latest progress, including KPIs, please see our latest annual report.
Above: Graph showing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent scope 1 and 2, from 2005 to 2023. Graph shows a downwards decrease in emissions with time.
Note: Year 2005 runs from August 2005 to July 2006 etc.
Tons CO2
2020/21
2021/22
Saving
Scope 1
9,277
7,252
22%
Scope 2
1,613
2,357
-46%
Total
10,890
9,513
12%
Above: Table shows Scope 1 and 2 emissions over time in tCO2.
Scope 3 emissions
The measurement of scope 3 emissions relies largely on third party data based on spend and there is a lag in obtaining and verifying realistic information. As soon as figures are available this report will be updated. We are working to reduce our carbon emissions associated with business travel. For more information and to read our Sustainable Business Travel Plan, please see our sustainable travel and transport page.
Infrastructure projects
In 2023/24 an £11 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant enabled the insulation of the two large aircraft hangars, improvements to the district heating with an additional air source heat pump and a new solar PV farm. This is projected to deliver over 1400 tonnes of carbon dioxide savings.
We have also published a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. This details ways in which we can build resilience to extreme weather in a sustainable way.
Biomass boiler
In 2016, we installed a biomass boiler which helps to heat the campus. This was made possible through the award of a Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The biomass boiler has made a significant contribution to our carbon savings target. This is fuelled by sustainably sourced woodchip from a local supplier. The boiler room is also available to support our research and teaching.
Please watch the video below for further information.
Energy Centre
Located centrally on campus, the Energy Centre includes two 1MW air source heat pumps, a water source heat pump, a hydrogen-ready boiler and battery storage for renewable energy (made from second life batteries). This was built with funding from a Public Sector Decarbonisation grant.
Combined heat and power plant
In 2010/11 we invested £2 million in a combined heat and power (CHP) plant. The CHP unit generates about 55-60% of our annual usage. By generating electricity on site we are also able to make use of the additional heat produced by the CHP in our expanding district heating network.
Salix projects
We have access to a Salix Revolving Loan Fund which was created by matching funds from Salix and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The funds are available to invest in energy-efficient technologies and energy-saving initiatives which payback within four years. The financial savings resulting from these investments pay back into the loan fund and are available to invest in new projects across the University.
Some Salix projects have included:
Upgrade to district heating pipework,
Biomass boiler installation,
Combined heat and power (CHP) installation,
PV (photovoltaic) farm installation,
Addition of new buildings to the district heating system,
LED lighting installations.
Behaviour change
Through the positive actions of our staff and students we have been able to achieve extensive energy savings. Active participation in our annual carbon-saving campaigns and ‘Christmas Shut-Down’ contests have proved very popular and helped to make a big difference in reducing energy use on our Cranfield campus. Find out more on our green events and activities page.
Solar farm
In Spring 2018, we installed 2 hectares of 1 MW solar PV array on the far side of the airfield. In 2023, we built another solar farm south of the campus. Since expansion, solar arrays on campus now provide over 10% of the campus energy and saves over 500 tonnes of CO2 per year. For further information, please watch our video below.
ISO 50001 energy management system certification
Cranfield University is officially certified for ISO 50001 for its energy management system. Our Energy Management System Manual sets out the system to manage energy at Cranfield campus in line with the International Standard for Energy Management Systems ISO 50001:2011.
