Coventry University Group
Turning bold plans into big action
Finalist, 2030 Climate Action
About
Coventry University has prioritised climate action since 2008, strengthening its commitment in the 2030 Group Strategy to achieve net zero for scope 1 & 2 emissions and reduce scope 3 emissions 30% by 2030. Supporting strategies were developed covering decarbonisation, sustainable design, procurement, and organisational change - informed by stakeholder engagement and building audits. A Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funded project allowed 11 buildings to be connected to low-carbon district heating, installed solar PV, and upgraded glazing, cutting emissions and improving energy efficiency. District heating alone cuts emissions by up to 80% compared to gas while enabling wider community benefits. Additional initiatives include improved carbon reporting, student engagement through placements & training, and student/staff awareness programmes. We also promote climate adaptation, biodiversity, and community collaboration. Actions to tackle scope 3 emissions focus on supply chains and travel, supported by improved data and partnerships, reinforcing a comprehensive, institution-wide approach to sustainability.
Top 3 learnings
- We ensured we knew our individual building emissions and the detailed options to reduce them
- We promoted carbon management and our achievements internally and externally to encourage wider engagement
- We promoted carbon management and our achievements internally and externally to encourage wider engagement
What it would mean to win
Winning a Green Gown Award would really boost our progress toward net zero by building on the momentum we’ve already created and strengthening how we engage with students, staff, and the wider community. It would also recognise the hard work of everyone involved in our climate action efforts and give us a great platform to share what we’ve learned, helping other institutions work toward SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG
| 2026 | |
| 2030 Climate Action | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
