Climate related risk and opportunities

The requirement to reduce carbon emissions will be achieved by governments by the imposition of duties on the purchase of certain carbon intensive products.

For example, the EU has already introduced the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).  The scheme is currently in a transitional phase, but will become a permanent scheme on 1 January 2026.  The scheme covers goods and materials imported from non-EU countries into EU countries and its aim is to ensure that carbon intensive but potentially cheaper goods and materials do not have a price advantage over those produced within the EU, where regulations are potentially stricter. The CBAM will initially apply to imports of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen.

Action

Monitor potential future changes in taxes and duties and take action to avoid them (for example by reducing certain expenditure) or ensure that the senior leaders of the University are aware that these are an unavoidable cost which must be accommodated with the existing budget of the University

Owner

Chief Financial Officer

Increased cost of construction and maintenance as low carbon technologies are more expensive than traditional technologies and products and services associated with the transition to low carbon are in high demand, and demand outstrips supply.

Action

Ensure that budgets for future new build and refurbishment programmes are costed appropriately.  Lead times for the completion of projects may have to be adjusted

Owners

Chief Financial Officer and Director of Estates and Facilities

International travel may become prohibitively expensive or restricted in other ways.  International students may not be able to travel to the UK to study in the same way as at present.  Staff from the University may not be able to visit overseas collaborative academic partnership organisations as frequently as at present.

Action

Develop a globalisation plan which will considers the impact of climate change on the University’s international operations

Owner

Deputy Vice Chancellor

International students may not be able to travel to the UK to study owing to extreme heat, flooding, volcanic eruption, pandemic or other climate related events

Action

Develop a globalisation plan which will considers the impact of climate change on the University’s international operations

Owner

Deputy Vice Chancellor

Consideration of climate related matters affects the University’s choice of external investments.

Action

Adhere to the University’s new Responsible Investment Policy

Owner

Chief Financial Officer

The River Trent poses a threat to parts of the Leek Road campus.  The flood levels are included as Appendix E. Previous developments including the Leek Road Halls (student accommodation) have taken place with the flood plain, making their continuing use beyond the short-term unsustainable.

Management of the river beyond the University’s control (for example flood water being released up stream in an uncontrolled manner)

Previous action

Rewilding of stretches of the river on University land appear to have improved the flow of water during phases of heavier rainfall (completed 2021)

Actions

• Declaring the area of potential flooding a ‘green area’ which is not suitable for future development or re-development.  A project is currently underway to build new residential accommodation on land outside of the potential flooding zone (estimated year of completion is 2027) which will allow existing student accommodation within the potential flooding area to be demolished and replaced by accessible green space.
• Develop a closer relationship with Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency
• Monitor forecasts for potential future flooding episodes

Owners

Chief Financial Officer

Director of Estates and Commercial Services

Increases in Summer temperatures, with spells of extreme heat, within term time or during University events (eg Awards week).  May cause health problems for occupants of University buildings and attendees at events

Affects building on all sites, with some regional variation – potentially greater issues at SU London

Requires greater levels of cooling in the summer which places strain on HVAC systems, requiring more energy to keep building interiors within tolerable limits.  Buildings without HVAC systems may become temporarily unusable and may be a risk to people with certain medical conditions.  Risk of business disruption including having to deliver teaching and learning remotely

Actions

• Consider extreme heat within standards for new build accommodation and consider retrofitting the windows of existing buildings with heat repelling film
• Monitor future temperatures and liaise with the Chief Operating Officer around potential short-term amendments to the University’s flexible working policy to protect the health of individuals
• Monitor future temperatures prior to major events and make arrangements for temporary cooling equipment to be sourced

Owner

Director of Estates and Commercial Services

Water will become scarcer in the United Kingdom and is likely to become a more expensive commodity over time.  There is a business risk arising from the potential increased cost of using water within University buildings, including student accommodation, and for maintaining green spaces, playing fields and other public realm spaces.

Actions

• Reducing water usage through mechanical means
• Working with staff, students and other visitors to reduce water waste
• Planting drought resistant plants and grass types within the grounds

Owner

Director of Estates and Commercial Services

Invasive species of plants and animals damaging biodiversity and buildings.

Action

Monitoring for invasive species and taking action as required

Owner

Director of Estates and Commercial Services