Back in June, we sent a survey to staff and students asking for their views on a number of approaches to reaching net zero on campus. Over the course of a month we received 630 responses, and since then the project team have been working to collate and analyse the results, in order to feed back and make recommendations to the wider University community. Read on for some of the key findings, and to find out what the University is carrying out already to achieve a greener, more sustainable campus for everyone.
The project, which was led by Professor Lenny Koh and carried out with four researchers, was funded by philanthropic donations from alumni and supporters, as secured by the Campaign and Alumni Relations (CAR) team. By surveying all campus users, the survey aimed to gather information about attitudes towards various potential options for change and how those changes might be received. It also aimed to understand whether a campus-wide approach would be more effective than a department or faculty-based one. Questions posed by the report included ‘what are the main views and perceptions on adopting sustainability at the University from the campus users’ perspective?’ and ‘what are the main similarities and differences across campus user groups?’
Results show openness to change and action
Overall, the responses showed a positive attitude towards zero carbon action, and that campus users are highly likely to show initiative and willingness to new environmental sustainability measures. The survey divided its questions into three main areas: daily life, research, and learning and teaching, and it found that there would be more potential for change in research and daily life than in the teaching and learning aspects of campus activities.
Some of the most significant findings were:
- 95 per cent of participants agreed to use reusable materials on campus.
- 88 per cent of participants responded positively on having less product choice from campus to eliminate waste.
- 74 per cent of the respondents were willing to pay more for more sustainable products around campus.
- On the topic of carbon reduction being a justification for increasing online activity and reducing in-person interaction on campus in order to reduce carbon, 39 per cent disagreed, 26 per cent of the respondents had a neutral attitude and 34 per cent agreed.
- A third of all participants wish they had more control over the energy use on campus.
- As opinions across faculties do not show great variations, the University could adopt a unified strategy to implement new measures.
- Campus users are highly likely to show initiative and willingness to adopt new environmental sustainability measures to minimise carbon footprints and emissions.
- Of the three themes studied, there would be more potential for change in the areas of research and daily life, than in the teaching and learning aspects of campus activities.
- 61 per cent agreed that carbon reduction would justify reducing the time that research/lab equipment is kept on.
- 88 per cent agreed with the proposal of seeking alternative and sustainable modes of transportation for short research trips.
The findings conclude that campus users are highly likely to show initiative and willingness to new environmental sustainability measures, which is positive for the University’s goal to reach a net-zero carbon campus by 2030. Where there are areas with more neutral attitudes, for example on topics such as libraries, online learning and travelling, further discussion is required to understand people’s desires and requirements.
It is encouraging to explore the level of commitment towards sustainability by our campus users, and it’s also noteworthy that the majority of our respondents are already actively involved in making sustainable changes to their routines.
Next steps to net zero
The report concludes with a number of recommendations for actions the University could take - actions which campus users generally agree with and present the opportunity for reducing carbon emissions. For example, 94 per cent of respondents agreed that the university should work in partnership with its supply chain to become carbon neutral.
Other recommendations include:
- Reducing plastic waste
- Reducing meat consumption
- Improving the energy efficiency of research equipment
- Improving energy use and heating and lighting in buildings
- Considering the option for online meetings and learning
The recommendations align with the work that the University of Sheffield is already undertaking as part of its sustainability strategy. For example, the University is currently working to better understand the full extent of its carbon impact by engaging with the entire supply chain to drive up standards in energy efficiency and social value. Moreover, the University has already taken steps to reduce its impact by removing beef from its outlets and switching to a 100% renewable electricity supplier on campus.
The University has also used its unique position as a research intensive University with local supplier partnerships to embed a low waste approach on campus. Milk churns have been reintroduced in three test sites on campus to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles used on campus. Research has shown that this will cut the carbon footprint of milk delivery at the University by 65% and, if rolled out across campus, could save 87,000 bottles per year. Another living lab project has also been launched in partnership with Vytal to encourage the use of reusable bowls and cups on campus.
Over the coming weeks, further investigation into the Energy Institute report’s findings and how this can inform work towards the University’s net zero campus by 2030 target will take place.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and in the living lab net zero campus project.