Transcript Day 2 - Joanna Simpson, HEFCE

Meeting HE carbon targets
Joanna Simpson
Senior Policy Adviser
EAUC Annual Conference
23 March 2010
Carbon reduction strategy
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Developed in partnership with UUK and GuildHE
Carbon reduction research by SQW
Consultation
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Two consultation seminars – September 2009
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120 consultation responses
Published January 2010
Carbon reduction strategy
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Challenging targets for sector and society
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34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 against a 1990
baseline (scope 1 and 2 emissions)
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will require commitment, creativity and
innovation
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development of scenarios
Support from HEFCE, UUK and GuildHE
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‘Leading sustainable development in higher
education’
Carbon reduction strategy
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Scope 3 emissions
Funding incentives
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Revolving Green Fund
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Capital funding will be linked to carbon
performance
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Other government grants
Monitoring, reporting and evaluation
What does it mean for English HEIs?
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Requirement for institutions to set their own targets and develop
carbon management plans
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Based on own circumstances and ambitions
Linking capital funding to carbon performance through the
Capital Investment Framework
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More specific and demanding requirements in relation to carbon
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New metrics on carbon emissions relative to income, student &
staff numbers
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Institutions to report progress in implementing carbon
management plans and on results achieved
Changes to the financial memorandum
Policy directions
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Higher Ambitions – the future of universities in a knowledge
economy
‘Acting as an important agent in the transition to a low
carbon economy, both by setting their own ambitious
strategies for decarbonisation and also by acting as a
source of public debate, engagement and leadership on
climate change’
Higher Ambitions
Policy directions
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Skills for Growth
Climate Change Act
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HE sector carbon budgets
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UK Low Carbon Transition Plan
‘necessary transition to low carbon, right for climate change, energy
security and jobs’
Ed Miliband
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Review of higher education and student finance
The financial challenge
Current position
New position
Real terms growth in HE funding
Reduced spending
Variable fees
Financial implications of
legislation
Reduction in capital funding for
2010/11
Future capital funding?
Response
Working together to make case for investment
Tough choices
Invest-to-save
New balance of public, student and employer funding
Impact
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Universities leading on major societal challenges –
climate change, energy, food and water security
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Autonomous institutions with a strong commitment to
excellence in learning, research and knowledge exchange
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Contributing to economic recovery and future growth
Universities in their communities
www.hefce.ac.uk/lgm/sustain/
Joanna Simpson
[email protected]
0117 9317411