Carbon Management

We’re proud to be one of the first UK universities to declare a climate emergency.

Aberystwyth University published our Towards Net Zero 2030 Strategy in 2023, highlighting the steps we're taking to achieve these goals.

Over the last 3 years, we've invested over £6 million in carbon reduction measures, including our solar array, energy efficiency improvements and lighting projects. Read more about these below.

Energy Sources

Solar Array

In February 2023, the University completed works on a 2.5MW solar PV array near Fferm Penglais that will generate 25% of the annual electricity requirements of Penglais campus. The site has already reduced emissions by nearly 300tCO2e, and expected to reduce annual outputs of energy-related CO2 emissions by >500tCO2e.

The University is also part of a wider group of 20 UK universities which has struck a £50m landmark green energy deal, reducing emissions and our carbon footprint as part of an aggregated power purchase agreement (PPA). It is the first time that public sector energy users have collaborated on a deal to buy clean electricity.

We are thrilled to announce that our solar array awarded us with Green Gown 2023 finalist status, an award highlighting sustainability excellence across tertiary education. Find more information on our entry here.

Rooftop Systems

We also have a number of smaller rooftop systems across our campuses, including 2 solar systems at Gogerddan campus with a third planned for later on this financial year.

Annual Carbon Management Reports

Annual Carbon Management Performance Statements

To ensure our Net Zero Strategy is on track, we annually monitor our carbon performance to compare this with our baseline year of 2019-2020.

In 2023, we saw a 29% reduction in emissions since 2019, indicating our commitment to net zero.

See our Performance Statements:

Carbon Management Performance Statements 2019-20 and 2020-21

Carbon Management Performance Statement 2021-22

Carbon Management Performance Statement 2022-23

Net Zero Carbon by 2030 Strategy

Towards Net Zero Carbon by 2030 Strategy

Read our Towards Net Zero Carbon 2030 Strategy

In 2019, Aberystwyth University declared a climate emergency, acknowledging the need to support the transition to a low carbon future. This, alongside the Welsh Government's ambitions for the public sector to be net zero by 2030, allowed for the development of our Net Zero Strategy.

In support, Aberystwyth University has voluntarily agreed to commit to a net zero target by the end of the financial year 2030-31, with our Towards Net Zero Carbon 2030 Strategy, setting SMART targets to reduce emissions, including a plan for decarbonisation of our built estate, which is estimated to reduce emissions by 4,525 tonnes CO2e - an 85% decrease on our baseline from 2019.