Queen’s University Belfast has launched an ambitious Net Zero plan to focus on tackling the climate crisis.

Sara Lynch, head of sustainability at Queen’s; Professor Stuart Elborn, provost and deputy vice chancellor, University Management Board Sponsor for Sustainability; Sir Jonathon Porritt, international environmentalist; Professor Michael Alcorn, associate pro vice chancellor sustainability and strategic projects and Beth Elder, Queen’s Students’ Union president.

The plan sets out the university’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

This ambitious target builds on the significant contribution the university makes through delivering world-leading research and education provision on sustainability, as well as its role as a social and civic leader in the transition to net zero in Northern Ireland and, more widely, on the island of Ireland.

Professor Michael Alcorn, associate pro vice-chancellor for strategic projects and sustainability at Queen’s said: “Sustainability is a key pillar in Queen’s ‘Strategy 2030’, which includes a commitment to transition to a carbon neutral society and to embrace the UN Sustainable Development Goals across all our activities.

Wide range of impactful projects

“Our net zero plan builds on the progress the University has already made in reducing our carbon emissions, with more than £10m invested in more than 80 energy efficiency projects over the past 12 years and a wide range of impactful projects already implemented.

“To date, we have achieved a 21% reduction in carbon emissions at an institutional level. Our new net zero plan focuses on the actions that we plan to take to continue to address our emissions.

“The climate crisis will have a significant impact on younger members of society in years to come. As a higher education institution, we have a responsibility to limit our impact and to prepare students for a changing and challenging future.”

Sir Jonathon Porritt, international environmentalist delivered the annual sustainability lecture at Queen’s University today entitled ‘The Climate Crisis: Why we need to dig deeper’ and ‘Role of Universities in the Climate Crisis’.

Sara Lynch, head of sustainability at Queen’s, said: “As a global institution, we have both a responsibility and an opportunity to take a lead on climate action.

“Our new target therefore reflects the need for a step change in Queen’s ambition, investment, and operations, as well as how we, as a university community, study, live and work on campus.

“We know this is not a simple journey but it is necessary and urgent.”