How the England Recycling Fund has propelled the University of Birmingham towards net zero
Watch our short video to learn more about successes, lessons and more from university carbon and sustainability manager Jim Sharman
A historic government scheme is being praised for supporting organisations to take foundational steps towards net zero.
We spoke with Jim Sharman, carbon and sustainability manager at the University of Birmingham, to discuss his experience with the England Recycling Fund.
In a testimonial video we’ve produced from the discussion, Jim speaks about his experience working with our teams at Salix, outcomes from projects completed through the scheme and what is next for the university on its journey to net zero.
In the video, Jim says: “The Salix fund is coming to a close but we’re just starting with our net zero carbon plans. I think there’s a certain amount of baton handing that you can apportion to that and, you know, it’s helped set us on the path, I think, towards net zero.”
The scheme, which has been used by a significant number of public sector organisations across the country, has collectively supported projects worth more than £267 million. When combined, projects funded through the scheme have reduced carbon missions by more than 296,000 tonnes of carbon annually. A 296,000-tonne reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to the carbon absorption capability of more than 13.4 million trees or emissions associated with fully charging a smartphone more than 19.6 billion times*.
We deliver funding for the England Recycling Fund on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The University of Birmingham has used its fund to complete more than 200 projects which, together, reduce the university’s carbon emissions by more than 3,000 tonnes annually. A 3,000-tonne reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to 1.5 million per-passenger air travel miles which is enough to get you from London to Perth, Australia 166 times*.
You can read more about the university’s achievements through the scheme through an earlier news story shared on our website.
*Carbon calculations have been generated through a tool created by our carbon and technical experts here at Salix. The intention is to provide carbon savings estimates to aid with a common understanding of emission data and statistics. These estimates are approximate; it is not recommended to use this tool for formal carbon emissions analysis. The tool uses UK government conversion factors alongside emissions estimates sourced from various studies, but it is possible a margin of error may exist. For more information about the formulas and methodology used in this tool, please contact us at [email protected]. E&OE.
