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Carbon Management in UK Higher Education Institutions: An Overview

Author

Listed:
  • Ebiyon Idundun

    (School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Andrew S. Hursthouse

    (School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Iain McLellan

    (School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

Abstract

The paper presents a review of carbon management in relation to UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), forms part of a wider study on the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels in Scotland’s public sector with a focus on Universities and Local Government Authorities. It compares the CF (carbon footprint), emission sources, and the fossil fuel contribution to the CFs reported in 3 identified articles relating specifically to the estimation of CF for HEIs. The consumption of fossil fuels results in human induced climate change however, fossil fuels boosted the industrialization process and remains the dominant source of global energy consumption. Action in tackling climate change has led to organizations coming under increasing pressures to monitor and report their CFs. HEIs have a key role to play in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions through delivery of scientific research and innovative carbon management solutions, increase in its uptake of renewable energy technologies, educating and training future leaders, and raising public awareness, in contribution to a sustainable society. This paper highlights the need for a shift of focus to reducing fossil fuel reliance in response to climate change and demonstrates how HEIs can impact GHG reductions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ebiyon Idundun & Andrew S. Hursthouse & Iain McLellan, 2021. "Carbon Management in UK Higher Education Institutions: An Overview," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:10896-:d:647361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Liziane Araújo da Silva & Ana Regina de Aguiar Dutra & José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra, 2023. "Decarbonization in Higher Education Institutions as a Way to Achieve a Green Campus: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Lingyu Wang & Xingyun Yan & Mingzhu Fang & Hua Song & Jie Hu, 2023. "A Systematic Design Framework for Zero Carbon Campuses: Investigating the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Fahua Campus Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-31, May.

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