Carbon Management

The Open University has committed to Net Zero 2050

At The Open University (OU), sustainability is a valued part of our mission, shaping how we work, what we teach, and how we make a positive difference in the world around us. Our Net Zero commitment reflects a clear, long-term ambition to reduce our environmental impact and contribute meaningfully to tackling climate change. This commitment is underpinned by two key milestones.

Our Two Key Milestones:

1. Net Zero by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2 emissions)

By 2030, the OU will achieve Net Zero emissions across Scope 1 and Scope 2. This includes emissions from sources we directly control - such as our estate, fleet, and on-site fuel use (Scope 1), as well as emissions from the electricity we purchase (Scope 2).

To reach Net Z.E.R.O our works will focus on these programmes:

• Zero-low carbon heating – Transitioning heating systems to electric alternatives to phase out gas (fossil fuel)

• Energy Efficiency: Delivering projects that reduce energy use through building fabric improvements, system upgrades, enhanced controls, and fostering a more sustainable workplace culture

• Renewables: Expanding on-site renewable energy generation and securing renewable energy contracts to support the use of zero-carbon electricity

• Optimisation: Implementing an ‘Adaptive’ campus to improve how our spaces and systems perform and respond to changing needs

This milestone reflects a rapid and proactive approach to cutting emissions within our direct control.

2. Net Zero by 2050 (All scopes)

By 2050, the OU will reach Net Zero across all emission scopes, including Scope 3, our indirect emissions. These are typically the most complex to address and include areas such as procurement, supply chain activities, business travel, commuting, and waste.

We are still at an early stage in our Scope 3 journey and are currently developing our baseline dataset. Establishing a robust and accurate baseline is a critical first step, as it will enable us to better understand where our most significant impacts lie and to prioritise meaningful, data-driven actions for reduction moving forward.

Energy usage

	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Gas (MWh)	15,132	15,396	13,851	13,523	13,481
Electricity (MWh)	12,582	12,788	12,235	11,447	11,373
Total Energy (MWh)	27,714	28,185	26,086	24,971	24,854
% Change from PY		1.7%	-7.4%	-4.3%	-0.5%
% Change from Baseline		2%	-6%	-10%	-10%

Carbon Emissions - Scope 1& 2 (tCO2e)

	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Scope 1 (Gas)	2,772	2,810	2,534	2,473	2,466
Scope 2 (Electricity)	2,671	2,473	2,534	2,370	2,013
Total Scope 1 & 2 (Energy)	5,443	5,283	5,067	4,844	4,479
% Change from PY		-2.9%%	-4.1%	-4.4%	-7.5%
% Change from Baseline		-3%	-7%	-11%	-18%

Image of building from the air. Two of the buildings show rows of Solar Photovoltaic panels. The buildings are surrounded by grass and gardens including a pond.

View our policies, statements, reports and guidance relating to sustainability here.

Carbon Management

The University has a strong track record of delivering energy efficiency and carbon management initiatives. Since the 2005/06 sector baseline, we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 64% as of 2024/25.

Building on this progress, we have established a new 2020/21 baseline for our carbon and sustainability reporting, this is aligned with the Learn and Live strategy, in which our Net Zero commitment was first outlined.

Carbon tracking

	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Scope 1 (gas & fleet emissions)	2,788	2,835	2,555	2,504	2,511
Scope 2 (Electricity)	2,671	2,473	2,534	2,370	2,013
Total Scope 1 & 2 (tCO2e)	5,459	5,308	5,089	4,874	4,524

Since establishing the new 2020/21 baseline, the University has reduced its emissions by 17%. This progress has been driven by a range of key initiatives, including:

Consolidating office space and mothballing underutilised areas
Introducing a 1°C temperature reduction across buildings during winter
Decommissioning the Wellingborough data centre and consolidating operations to Walton Hall
Continuation of LED upgrade works
Decommissioning the Wellingborough data centre and consolidating operations at Walton Hall
Retrofitting the OU in Wales Cardiff office, including LED lighting upgrades, installation of a 14.5 kW solar PV system with battery storage, high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioning units, and a Building Management System (BMS) upgrade

For more information on how to get involved with sustainability at The Open University, please visit the main sustainability webpage.