Help us shape the next chapter of climate action

Thank you for making the last six years of Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges a success.

As we review the future direction of the programme following changes to the wider UN climate action framework, we want to hear from the sector about what support and collective action is needed to drive progress towards 2030 and beyond.

Whether or not you participated in Race to Zero, complete our short survey by Friday 31 July to help us to shape the next phase of sector climate action.  

A global campaign  

Since 2020, Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges, delivered by EAUC, has engaged over 1,200 higher education and TVET institutions worldwide in net zero action. This programme remains the only global net zero commitment scheme specifically for the sector.  

We would like to thank all signatories and partners who have contributed to the success of this initiative over the last 6 years and for their continued efforts towards net zero. We encourage institutions to build on this progress and continue to accelerate and deepen their climate action.  

The programme was originally part of the wider Race to Zero campaign, backed by the United Nations (UN). However, following the UNFCCC's recent strategic decision to refocus its climate action efforts on the Global Climate Action Agenda, the programme is moving from being a centrally-coordinated UN campaign to one that is independently led by partners.  

As a delivery partner, we have been invited to independently lead and develop the college and university initiative, continuing to report progress through official UN systems. EAUC, together with the Higher Education Climate Network of Networks, will also continue shape and champion the education theme within the Global Climate Action Agenda, ensuring that the sector’s leadership, expertise and impact is recognised and strengthened within the global climate policy landscape.    

A changing sector and evolving needs  

We also note that since the campaign began the sector’s approach to climate change has evolved. Institutions are increasingly seeing the need for whole‑institution approaches to climate action that go beyond emissions reduction and concepts like climate resilience, adaptation and risk are increasingly relevant. Our signatories tell us that they value Race to Zero for its transparency and public accountability. However, institutions face growing pressures from limited funding, competing priorities, and a complex and diverse policy and regulatory landscape. 

Reviewing the programme  

As an organisation, EAUC is clear that the need for net zero and climate action across the sector remains as important as ever.  

However, we want to make sure that what we deliver makes a genuine difference in supporting institutions to take climate action and drives measurable progress. As a small charity currently delivering this programme free of charge with no grant funding, it is also important that it remains realistic, proportionate, and financially sustainable, while continuing to be accessible. 

For these reasons, we are reviewing if and how Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges should evolve towards 2030.  

Have your say  

Please complete the short survey by Friday 31 July (23:59 UTC) and help us shape the next phase of climate action for colleges and universities worldwide.

View a PDF document with the questions here. 

Whether you are an active signatory, a former participant, considering joining, or have never engaged with the initiative before, we want to understand your perspective. 

Your feedback will directly inform decisions about the future direction of Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges and wider sector climate action support. 

Next steps  

While the programme is under review, website functionality will be limited. Signatories will not be listed on the website, and the usual annual reporting request is temporarily suspended. Once we have reviewed feedback, we will share updates later in 2026 on the next steps and future direction of the programme.