Climate Action
We commit to be Net-Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
At Aston University, we recognise the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. That is why we have revised, and we commit to Net-zero by 2030 for Scopes 1 and 2.
Through education, research, and collaboration, we are shaping a fairer, greener, and more sustainable future. In line with our 2030 Sustainability Strategy and our Civic Agreement, we have developed a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that sets out how we will:
- Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
- Support Birmingham’s journey to Net Zero
- Deliver sustainable travel and responsible investment
- Embed sustainability into research, education, and decision-making
Our plan brings together staff, students, and partners in a shared mission to achieve Net Zero for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and Scope 3 by 2040.
The Climate Action Plan is at the heart of our response to the global climate crisis, driving real change locally and beyond towards a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable place to live, work, and study.
Find out more below about our action plan:
Low Carbon Energy
Since 2022, Aston University has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity through the installation of 607 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels across key campus buildings, including the Main Building, Nursery, Students’ Union, and Vision Science Building. These PV systems play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting our sustainability goals by generating clean, on-site electricity.
The image below illustrates the projected energy yield from these installations over the period 2022–2025:
- Students’ Union: 322,326.55 kWh
- Nursery: 88,501.57 kWh
- Main Building: 53,060.05 kWh
- Vision Science Building: 52,701.28 kWh
Together, these figures highlight the substantial contribution of solar energy to Aston’s low-carbon strategy. We are continuing to explore further PV expansion opportunities as part of our long-term commitment to sustainability.
Find out more below how we operate at Net Zero Greenhouse Gases Emissions
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Pathway to Net Zero
Sustainable Campus
Aston University is committed to conserving resources and minimising the environmental impact of our campuses and activities. As the largest green space in Birmingham City Centre, we take pride in maintaining the smallest possible environmental footprint. This commitment is underpinned by our ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certified management systems.
Recognising the urgency of addressing climate change, we have strengthened our carbon reduction ambitions in line with the University’s 2030 Strategy. Our targets and measures of success are set out in the Climate Action Plan, ensuring we deliver meaningful progress towards a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable campus.
While infrastructure and utilities remain key contributors to our emissions, a range of energy projects and sustainable building frameworks — including SKA HE — are already driving change. However, to achieve our vision of a truly sustainable campus, we must go further. Earlier initiatives have delivered incremental improvements, but the upcoming Carbon Neutral Energy Centre represents a transformative step forward.
Delivering Net Zero
In 2025, Aston University secured £35.5 million from the UK Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered by Salix) to develop a state-of-the-art Green Energy Centre on Woodcock Street. Featuring a 10 MW ground and air source heat pump system, the facility will serve as a living lab for sustainable technologies and enable Aston to achieve Net Zero for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2028 two years ahead of our original target.
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Our Climate Action Delivery Plan translates the ambitions of our Climate Action Plan into practical, deliverable actions for our estate. It focuses on the most effective ways to reduce emissions across our campuses, including:
- Energy Centre and Network Connections – Decommissioning the existing gas-powered energy centre and commissioning a new, low-carbon, heat-pump-based system. This will connect key buildings such as Aston Day Hospital and the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) to the new network.
- Building Fabric Improvements – Upgrading façades, glazing, and roofing across major buildings, including Aston Business School, Conference Aston, and the Great Hall, to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
These projects represent a major investment in our infrastructure and will significantly reduce emissions from heating and power use across our estate.
- Sustainable City and Contribution to Community
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With our Net Zero ambitions, a key element of our Climate Action Plan is contributing to a more sustainable Birmingham. Supporting the city’s journey to reduce emissions not only strengthens our own progress towards Net Zero but also reinforces our role as a civic university at the heart of the community.
We continue to collaborate closely with Birmingham City Council and other partners to help the city achieve its Net Zero goals. This collaboration is underpinned by our Civic Agreement, which highlights the positive civic impact that Aston University delivers through meaningful partnerships with organisations dedicated to improving our region.
Creating shared prosperity and lasting social change requires genuine collaboration. Through our Civic Agreement, which now includes an expanded list of signatories, we have made seven pledges one of which focuses on Improving Our Environment.
Read our Civic Agreement - Stronger Together document below:
- Behaviour Change and Engagement
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Achieving our 2030 Sustainable Strategy Plan relies not only on infrastructure and innovation, but also on the collective actions of our staff and students. We are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability across our campuses, empowering everyone in our community to contribute to our Net Zero ambitions.
Reduce energy use across campus
The Sustainability Team to help reduce our carbon footprint, runs an Electricity Switch-Off Campaign during holiday periods and have developed an Energy and Sustainability Training (EST) induction to raise awareness and promote more sustainable working practices (University login required).
Improve sustainability in laboratories
Joined the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) to make lab more sustainable and gain formal accreditation
Become a Go Green Champion
To Help embed sustainability within team or department. Our Go Green Champions network empowers staff to promote sustainable practices and share best ideas across the University.
Contribute to sustainable research
Support research and innovation that advances sustainable development by signing the Environmental Accord and aligning work with our sustainability goals.
Choose sustainable travel options
We are working to make low-carbon transport the easiest choice. This includes improving cycling and active travel facilities, expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging points, providing more showers on campus, and increasing the affordability of electric bikes. Through collaboration with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), we’re also supporting free bus pass schemes and other sustainable commuting options.
Together, these initiatives are helping to embed sustainability into everyday life at our university shaping a culture of responsibility, collaboration, and lasting behaviour change that will move us closer to our goal of a truly sustainable campus by 2030.
Driving Climate Action through Research
At Aston University, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address the challenges of climate change, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and create real impact for our communities, businesses, and society.
Our researchers are tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues from renewable energy and resource efficiency to sustainable business growth and circular economy models. Through our interdisciplinary approach, we bridge the gap between science, technology, and policy to turn research into practical, scalable solutions.
- Supergen Bioenergy Hub
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Aston University is proud to host and lead the Supergen Bioenergy Hub, a national research network funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Hub brings together academia, industry, government, and international partners to develop sustainable bioenergy systems that reduce carbon emissions and support the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
Through collaboration with organisations such as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Birmingham City Council, and global research institutions, Supergen explores innovative technologies for renewable fuels, biomass, and waste-to-energy conversion — helping shape the future of sustainable energy both nationally and internationally.
Find out more about Supergen Bioenergy Hub below:
- Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)
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The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University is a leading centre for low-carbon energy and resource recovery. EBRI conducts pioneering research into bioenergy, bioproducts, and circular economy solutions, supporting the decarbonisation of industry and the creation of sustainable business models.
Working closely with local authorities, national government bodies, and international partners, EBRI delivers research and consultancy that helps organisations reduce their carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and transition to sustainable practices. EBRI also provides expertise and hands-on support to local businesses, helping them adopt renewable technologies and reduce energy costs.
Find out more about Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute below:
- Supporting Businesses and Communities
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Beyond research, Aston University plays an active civic role in supporting the region’s sustainability goals. Through initiatives such as the Decarbonisation and Net Zero Programme, Green Advantage, and the Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability Hub, we work with local enterprises to cut emissions, build green skills, and embed sustainability into business operations.
These programmes empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs to adapt to a changing economy — contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Birmingham and West Midlands region.
Learn more:
Sustainability is embedded in our teaching and curriculum to ensure our students graduate with the skills and knowledge to become responsible leaders and innovators. Through education and research, Aston University is helping shape a generation ready to lead the transition towards a sustainable and just future.
Find out more about our latest research and projects and listen to our academics discussing their research and engagement with business in more detail.