Climate action begins with reducing the environmental impact of our own activities. At ARU, we are working to translate our climate commitments into practical change across our campuses, integrating carbon reduction, low-carbon energy, energy efficiency and sustainable estate management into the way the University operates.
By measuring our environmental performance and investing in more efficient, resilient infrastructure, we aim to reduce emissions while using our campuses to demonstrate how large organisations can contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future.
Net Zero pledge
ARU declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in September 2019, recognising the scientific consensus that we only have until 2030 to deliver deep cuts in carbon emissions to avert the most serious consequences of climate change. Our Climate Positive Plan details how we will reduce our carbon emissions to zero in 2045 including our indirect (Scope 3) emissions, without the use of offsetting. The Plan, approved in 2022, highlights the risks that climate change poses and outlines what we will do to counter them. It sets out action priorities for carbon reduction. the governance arrangements in place at the university to achieve these and ways in which staff and students can get involved.
Fossil fuel-free investments
In 2018 we signed the Fossil Fuel Declaration, a partnership between the National Union of Students and People & Planet. By signing the declaration we declare that we have no investments in extractor fossil fuel companies and pledge to remain fossil free in the future.
Using evidence to accelerate decarbonisation
Reducing carbon emissions begins with understanding where they occur. ARU monitors energy use and carbon performance across its estate, enabling the University to identify opportunities for improvement and prioritise investment in emissions reduction. Energy data is used to support estate planning, retrofit programmes and operational improvements, helping ensure that climate action is informed by evidence. This commitment to measurement and transparency enables ARU to track progress, evaluate interventions and continually improve the environmental performance of its campuses.
Working towards a low-carbon future
We've made long-term commitments to reducing its environmental impact and supporting the transition to a low-carbon society. Through investment in energy-efficient buildings, sustainable campus development and operational improvements, the University is reducing emissions while creating healthier and more resilient places to study and work. New developments are required to meet high sustainability standards and major campus improvements have focused on improving environmental performance and reducing energy demand. By combining ambitious climate goals with practical action on the ground, ARU is helping demonstrate how universities can contribute to achieving national and global climate targets.
Designing campuses for climate resilience
Climate action extends beyond reducing emissions. At ARU, we seek to ensure that our campuses and developments are designed to support long-term environmental sustainability and resilience. New buildings are required to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting the University's commitment to high levels of environmental performance. Recent developments, including ARU Peterborough, demonstrate how sustainable design principles can be combined with regeneration objectives to create places that support both local communities and climate ambitions. Through responsible estate development, ARU is helping ensure that its physical environment contributes positively to a low-carbon future.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.