Thursday 22 October 2020

LSE launches plan to become ‘UK’s first’ carbon-neutral university

The London School of Economics (LSE) has announced plans to become the 'first' carbon-neutral university in the UK.

The school's plan is to reduce its overall carbon footprint, and in areas that this is not possible, to offset residual emissions by financing projects elsewhere.

LSE will also work to embed sustainability into the curriculum, support a 'socially responsible' investment policy and set up a sustainability board of students and staff.

Currently, LSE measures emissions associated with the institution's energy use, water consumption, waste generation and business travel.

It has also implemented green solutions, including sourcing 100% of the school’s electricity from renewable sources and retrofitting buildings to optimise energy use.

LSE Director Minouche Shafik commented: “LSE was founded for the betterment of society, and our commitment to acting responsibly and sustainably is part of who we are.

"Our new Plan provides a framework for our staff and students to drive meaningful change towards creating a sustainable LSE.”

Professor Nicholas Stern, Chair of LSE’s Grantham Institute on Climate Change, said: "LSE today is making a commitment to action, and we encourage others to engage and lead on this critical agenda: be it organisations, academics, students and citizens of the world."