Bath's 11 Principles

The University of Bath has agreed eleven Climate Action Framework principles through discussions with staff, campus trade unions and the students’ union [SU].  These principles will guide how the University conducts business and inform the development of its next steps to meet the challenging objectives the University has set itself.  In declaring a climate emergency at the same time, the University says that it and the SU are jointly demonstrating their commitment to responding to climate change.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian White said:

“We recognise the clear scientific evidence and the need for urgent action across society to tackle dangerous, anthropogenic climate change and its impact on both humanity and biodiversity. By adopting eleven Climate Action Framework Principles we are backing up the declaration with commitments to action. I want to thank all those members of our community who have contributed to developing them so far, in particular Professor Pete Walker and the members of the Climate Action Framework working groups.”

You can read more on all this here.  The principles are:

1. CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION
   • Being Net Zero Carbon in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
   • A 50% reduction in its Scope 3 emissions by 2030.
   • Being Net Zero Carbon in its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2040.
2. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Supporting world-class research activities at the University of Bath, and in wider collaborations, to deliver impactful research and innovation supporting the transition to the net zero carbon economy.
3. LEARNING AND TEACHING Developing educational initiatives to build a world class reputation for high quality education on climate-related issues with global reach and scale, for example by: providing opportunities for every student to study and work on climate related issues; delivering programmes with a sustainability agenda; delivering pedagogically innovative teaching practices to reduce carbon emissions.
4. UNIVERSITY STRATEGY Supporting the transition to the net zero carbon economy through the University’s strategy, sub-strategies and its core decision making, and throughout its core values and its commitments.
5. UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE Ensuring there is clear leadership and governance for implementation of the Climate Action Framework, with public accountability through transparent disclosure of progress against our principles.
6. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS EMISSIONS REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION Reducing all University campus carbon emissions, in a manner that is consistent with the broader principles of sustainability and in a Just Transition. Understanding and responding to the consequences of climate change adaptation on the campus and the University’s supply chain.
7. INTERNATIONALISATION STRATEGY Supporting and encouraging carbon responsible international engagement to ensure sustainable collaborations that meet our strategic internationalisation goals.
8. CARBON MANAGEMENT Improving the data quality relating to the University’s carbon emissions, recognising that this is a strategic tool to understand and systematically reduce its carbon footprint.
9. UNIVERSITY FINANCES Taking the principles of the Climate Action Framework into account in all key funding and investment decisions.
10. UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND ACTION Supporting behavioural and cultural changes to enable carbon reduction targets through engagement across the University community.
11. UNIVERSITY OF BATH: LOCAL LEADER AND PARTNER Working with key partners from the local community, industry, public sector bodies and third sector organisations, to support the transition to the net zero carbon economy.

What do you make of all this?  Is this bold leadership, or a bit of a catch-up?  It is a comprehensive take on the issues we all face, or a limited and patchy response?  I'll have my say next week, although it does seem that there are a few gaps ...