Ulster University’s Commitment to Reducing Scope 3 Emissions: Enhancing Staff and Student Travel Options
By Amy Brown – Support Assistant, AACSB Accreditation Team
Ulster University has long recognized the importance of reducing its environmental impact, and in recent years, it has taken meaningful steps to continue this mission. A significant focus of the university’s sustainability efforts has been reducing Scope 3 emissions, which encompass indirect emissions from activities such as commuting, business travel, and the university’s supply chain.
In the 2022/2023 academic year, the university achieved an important milestone, reducing its Scope 3 emissions to 20,418 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), down from 28,319 tCO2e in 2018/2019. This substantial reduction demonstrates Ulster University’s dedication to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to create a greener future.
The Role of Sustainable Travel in Emission Reduction
A key component of the university’s emissions reduction strategy involves promoting sustainable travel for both staff and students. By making it easier and more convenient for the university community to adopt eco-friendly transportation options, Ulster University aims to further reduce its carbon footprint in the coming years. One of the main areas of focus has been the development and implementation of comprehensive campus travel plans that prioritize lower-emission travel modes, such as public transportation, carpooling, and cycling.
Improved Public Transport Links
Our recent Sustainability report recognised that public transport is the preferred method of commuting to the Belfast campus, as well as the ease of access to public transportation is crucial to encouraging its use, Ulster University has worked to enhance connectivity between its campuses and nearby transport hubs. One of the most impactful initiatives has been the introduction of a free shuttle bus service, which connects centralised transport hubs and railway stations to the university’s various campuses. This service not only improves convenience for students and staff but also reduces reliance on single-occupancy car travel, which is a significant contributor to emissions.
Additionally, Ulster University continues to advocate for the expansion of public transport links to its campuses, working closely with local authorities and transport providers to improve access to eco-friendly travel options. By ensuring that public transport is an attractive and viable choice for the university community, the institution is making a clear statement about its commitment to sustainable commuting practices.
Real-Time Public Transport Information
To further support sustainable commuting, the web-development team Ulster University recently introduced a new feature that delivers live train times via digital screens on the Belfast campus. This innovation allows students and staff to plan their journeys more effectively by providing up-to-date information on train schedules and delays. With real-time data at their fingertips, individuals are more likely to opt for public transportation, knowing that they can make informed decisions about their travel.
The team included Web Development Manager, Mark Kennedy, Gavin Boyd, Keith Freel, Mia McElroy.
This initiative reflects the university’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability, using technology to enhance convenience and accessibility. By deploying this feature, Ulster University is making it easier than ever for staff and students to choose low-emission travel options, which will ultimately help further reduce Scope 3 emissions.
A Continued Commitment to Sustainability
Ulster University’s efforts to improve staff and student travel options are part of a larger commitment to sustainability that extends across all aspects of campus life. The progress made in reducing Scope 3 emissions between 2018 and 2023 is impressive, but the university is not resting on its laurels. With ongoing plans to implement further sustainable travel initiatives, Ulster University is well on its way to achieving even more significant reductions in its carbon footprint in the years to come.
As these travel plans take shape and the community embraces greener commuting habits, Ulster University is setting an example for institutions across the globe, proving that large-scale emissions reduction is possible with thoughtful planning and a commitment to innovation.
