Campus CO2 emissions successfully cut by 13% last year

The University of Sussex reduced its annual CO₂ emissions by 13 per cent (2,493 tonnes) in 2011-12 and is now two years ahead of schedule in its bid to nearly halve its carbon footprint. Emissions were 25 per cent (5,643 tonnes) lower than in 2005-06, when the University outlined plans to achieve a 44 per cent reduction by 2020. They were also lower than the target emissions for 2013-14 as laid out in the Sussex's Carbon Management Plan. Pat Pica, the University's Energy and Environment Manager, said that a project to install LED lighting in many campus buildings contributed to the reduction last year. He said: "It is encouraging that our investments in energy-efficient technologies are paying off. "It is a big challenge to make the University more environmentally sustainable at a time when it is enjoying wide-scale expansion. More students, more staff, new buildings - all these things have an environmental impact and we are having to find creative ways to lessen that impact." Other recent green initiatives at Sussex include: Using state-of-the-art technologies such as passive ventilation, reduced solar gain, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting for new buildings.