The environmental performance of Lancaster University is measured by comparison to Key Performance Indicators (KPI's). The environmental performance is monitored by assessment against an 'Environmental Target' for each KPI.
Environmental Reporting
Environmental performance and progress on environmental projects are reported internally three times a year through the Energy & Environment Working Group. An annual report will be prepared in the third quarter of 2009 and will be made available here.
Total Annual Carbon Emissions
Total carbon emissions from Lancaster University in the year 2007/2008 amounted to 71,700 tonnes. This equates to 5.4 tonnes per person/per year (staff and students). The emissions include those from electricity, gas and water use, staff and student travel (commuting), business and academic travel, waste disposal and recycling, procurement, maintenance and small projects, catering, library, telecoms and a range of other bought in services.
A full carbon footprint report has been prepared for Lancaster University and a summarised version can be viewed here.
This is the first full assessment of annual carbon emissions by Lancaster University, and hence forms a baseline for comparing future data against. Lancaster University's Carbon Management Plan will be published in Spring 2009. In future years Lancaster University's carbon footprint will be assessed and reported on an annual basis, with annual reports posted on this webpage.
Percentage of Waste Recycled/Reused
Lancaster University's monthly recycling rate is shown on the graph below. There are significant variations from month to month, which reflect the time of year and data captured in a particular month. Annual recycling rates have improved significantly in recent years increasing from around 4% in 2005/2006 to 7.7% in 2006/2007 and 27.8% in 2007/2008. A recycling rate of 30% is targeted for 2008/2009.
Total Residual Waste Produced
The tonnage of residual (or general waste) produced at Lancaster University is shown on the graph below. Levels of residual waste vary significantly from month to month depending on the time of year. However the annual tonnage generated has fallen from 1,691 tonnes in 2005/2006 to 1,595 tonnes in 2006/2007 to 1,471 tonnes in 2007/2008. This is despite growth in the number of staff and students during this period. For 2008/2009 a target of generating less than 1,425 tonnes of residual waste has been set.
Energy consumption
Total Annual Electrcity Consumption
The total electricity consumption of Lancaster University in the year 2007/2008 was 33.3 GWh. For the year 2008/2009 a target of a 10% absolute reduction in consumption has been set.
Total Annual Gas Consumption
The total gas consumption of Lancaster University in the year 2007/2008 was 69 GWh. For the year 2008/2009 a target of a 10% absolute reduction in usage has been set.
Total Annual Water Consumption
The total water consumption of Lancaster University in the year 2007/2008 was 475,054M3. For the year 2008/2009 a target of a 10% absolute reduction in usage has been set.
Staff commuting by car (single occupancy)
The proportion of staff commuting by car (single occupancy) has been monitored in two travel surveys undertaken in 2003 and 2007. The proportion of staff using this mode of transport has dropped from 58.4% in 2003 to 55.7% in 2007. The targets for staff commuting by car (single occupancy) are 51% in November 2010 and 45.3% in November 2013.
Students commuting by car (single occupancy)
The proportion of students commuting by car (single occupancy) has been monitored in two travel surveys undertaken in February 2006 and November 2007. The proportion of students using this mode of transport has dropped from 22.1% in February 2006 to 19.2% in November 2007. The targets for student commuting by car (single occupancy) are 17% for November 2010 and 15% for November 2013.