Durham University “unlikely” to hit Net Zero target

By Hugh Ludford

Durham University is “unlikely” to reach Net Zero by its 2035 target, according to newly-released meeting minutes.

In a meeting of the University Council in February (minutes released in August following an FOI from Palatinate), the council heard that “although the University did perform well in sustainability and environmental league tables … the University was unlikely to achieve its zero-carbon emissions ambition by 2035”.

Durham’s Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs) were given a red, amber or green rating and an arrow depending on their “improvement or otherwise” since July 2025. The SPI relating to Net Zero was given a red rating.

This was partly due to a lack of finances limiting University investment into sustainable technology, including “heat recycling” and “photovoltaic panels” (solar panels).

The University’s Council heard that “the University was unlikely to make its zero-carbon emissions ambition by 2035, particularly as it did not have finances to invest in heat recycling or photovoltaic [solar] panels”

The initial ambition called for a “significant increase in photovoltaic [solar] energy provision” on the estate, and even considered a “large [offsite] photovoltaic solar farm”.

The University also said that Durham County Council (DCC) had “moved away from funding climate related initiatives” after Reform UK came to power in May 2025, and that this would pose a challenge to the Net Zero target, which “required support of the local Council”.

Under Reform UK, DCC has un-declared a climate emergency and revoked its pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

Palatinate approached Durham County Council for comment but did not hear back.

The University’s 2023 Sustainability Ambition Statement outlines the goal of reducing Scope One and Two emissions by 65% and using “carbon removal offsets” for the rest.

The document repeatedly describes this target as “realistic”, if “ambitious”.

The University’s 2023 Sustainability Ambition Statement outlines the goal of reducing Scope One and Two emissions by 65% and using “carbon removal offsets” for the rest, a goal it repeatedly described as “realistic”, if “ambitious”.

Scope One emissions relate to the University estate while Scope Two concern electricity use. These emissions only account for 30% of the University’s total emissions, the rest being Scope Three, excluded from this 2035 target.

The University’s latest financial report (for year ending July 2025) shows the current progress on reducing these emissions. Scope 1 has been reduced by 15% since the 2018 baseline against a 67% target, while Scope 2 emissions have fallen by 32% versus a 100% target.

The University has decarbonised two buildings within the Hatfield college estate; Boldon House and James Barber House – the latter of which won the Sustainable Built Environment Award from the county council.

The University is also aiming to cut lighting electricity use through the updating of bulbs to LED systems. Projects are planned for the Bill Bryson Library and the Chemistry and Geography departments after recent upgrades to the physics department.

Scope 3 emissions – not included in the University’s 2035 Net Zero target – have seen greater reductions, with “waste” and “water” emission reduction targets already surpassing their targets (84 and 70% reductions, compared to a 40% target). “Business travel”, also in this category, has seen a 33% reduction towards the same 40% target.

A Durham University spokesperson told Palatinate: “The QS Sustainability Rankings and the newly announced Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings recognise that Durham is among the world’s leading universities in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and sustainability.

A Durham University spokesperson told Palatinate: “The QS Sustainability Rankings and the newly announced Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings recognise that Durham is among the world’s leading universities in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and sustainability.

“Our ambition to achieve NetZero carbon emissions by 2035 remains and, as part of consultation on the new University Strategy this autumn, we will discuss with staff and students how this ambition might be achieved.”

Image: Isla Mustin / Palatinate