Universities emit less carbon dioxide but use more energy

Universities’ carbon dioxide emissions fell to 1.6 million tonnes in the 2017-18 academic year, but one expert has warned that progress towards zero carbon emissions must be made much faster.

According to data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa) on 9 May, universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland reduced their carbon emissions from 1.7 million tonnes in 2016-17 to 1.6 million tonnes in 2017-18.

However, institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland increased their energy consumption to 6.7 terawatt hours of energy in 2017-18, up from 6.5 terawatt hours in 2016-17.