Our emissions are grouped into three scopes:
- Scope 1 - emissions refer to the Greenhouse gases that RGU creates directly, for example, while running boilers.
- Scope 2 - emissions are made by RGU indirectly, for example when we buy electricity or energy for heating buildings.
- Scope 3 - emissions account for emissions not directly produced or controlled by RGU or our activities but that we are still indirectly responsible for. These usually account for the highest proportion of total emissions.
Since 2015, we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46%. We continue to improve our measurement of the wider Scope 3 aspects and identify historic emissions. For example, in 2023/2024 we added 7489 tCO2e to the 2022/2023 Scope 3 emissions for student commuting.
The significant rise in Scope 3 emissions from 2020 has been driven by increased monitoring including commuter and working from home emissions. Our workforce is drawn from a large catchment area, increasing emissions generated by travelling to work. To support staff work-life balance, RGU has a hybrid working policy allowing flexibility in where work is undertaken up to 50% of the time. Further information can be found on RGU’s commuting emission tracker.
To deliver on our net-zero plan, we developed strategic objectives to improve energy efficiency, utilise clean energy, manage carbon and reduce emissions, adapt to, and mitigate climate change, support sustainable commuting, manage, and conserve water, sustainably construct, as well as to maintain and refurbish our buildings.
Emission Reduction Targets
