When it comes to climate action, the higher education sector faces a specific set of challenges: diverse building portfolios that often include listed buildings; complex and cross-departmental procurement procedures; the need to maintain special facilities and conditions for research; long planning horizons; and the need for student engagement.
To help deliver on its strong commitments to sustainability, the University has been developing an institution-wide climate action plan. The University Climate Action Plan (UCAP) sets the over-arching strategic direction for climate action across a number of workstreams, each with its own action plan.
Eunomia provided ad hoc support throughout the UCAP development process. Taking the role of a critical friend, we advised on its scope, structure, and priority actions, conducting a rigorous gap analysis to inform recommendations. We also helped create a framework for defining metrics and monitoring and reporting progress. This included key performance indicators and recommendations for robust governance – a critical feature of successful climate action plans.
We assisted with boundary setting (deciding what types of emissions the UCAP should prioritise), quantifying emissions from land use, and developing achievable pathways to net zero by modelling the impact of different interventions. We also provided guidance on relevant considerations for specific areas, such as investments, embodied carbon, and nuclear energy.
To help define the UCAP scope and ensure it reflects the views and priorities of staff and students across the University, we also led a programme of stakeholder engagement through one-to-one interviews, focus groups, and a University-wide staff and student survey.
Eunomia supported the University in setting ambitious, science-aligned climate targets that reflect the institution’s capabilities and sectoral context. Through our collaborative approach to working with University of Bristol and stakeholders at all levels – from senior leadership to the student body – we helped develop a UCAP that aligns with best practice and will effectively guide the University’s journey to net zero.