Are we doing enough?
An unstable climate, increasing carbon emissions and accelerating biodiversity loss require urgent and immediate action. The University is responding by developing a new Environmental Sustainability Strategy
The draft strategy is open for consultation from 2 March-14 April 2020 at the sustainability.admin.ox.ac.uk/consultation.
The Vice-Chancellor convened a group of leading academics and staff at a roundtable in November last year to consider what the University can do better to address the climate crisis. The Environmental Sustainability Strategy Working Group has been meeting monthly since then, developing a consultation document for all University staff and students.
The direct environmental impacts of the University, its buildings, research, educational activity and investments need to be scrutinised and minimised. The draft strategy tackles issues that we have publically debated in the past. The consultation aims to stimulate debate across the University about ambitious action that the University should take in the short, medium and long term. Our goal is to reduce our environmental impact, become a global leader in sustainability and ultimately reach net zero carbon emissions and net biodiversity gain.
It is a unique opportunity for everyone who care about environmental sustainability to influence the strategic direction of the University of Oxford; we want everyone’s help to create the strategy to make sure its vision is both transformative and achievable. Let us know what you think about a range of issues including energy and carbon, introducing a charge for all flights, reducing meat and dairy offered at University outlets and managing biodiversity.
A presentation and discussion on the work that has been done to date on Oxford University's draft environmental sustainability strategy will take place on March 24. You can find out more about the event and register to attend online.
The Environmental Sustainability team will have pop-up stands to discuss the strategy and consultation throughout the university:
- Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter – 18 March 2pm
- Old Road Campus Research Building – 19 March 12-4pm
- Begbroke Science Park – 24 March 12-2pm
- Wellington Square University Offices – 25 March 12-2pm
- Manor Road Building – 30 March 12-2pm
- Biochemistry – 1 April 12-2pm
- Richard Doll Building – 2 April 12-2pm
