Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges
Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges is a partnership initiative between EAUC – the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education and UNEP, with EAUC acting as secretariat. Established in 2019, and joining as a Race to Zero Partner in June 2000, they have gained 1,115 signatories across the world from 77 countries who have committed to be net-zero by 2050 at the very latest. This represents nearly 11 million students globally.
Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges advocates for young minds to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and capability to respond to the ever-growing challenges of climate change. They also support universities and colleges by providing tools, resources and case studies.
How it works
Pledge >
Pledge at head-of-organisation level to reach (net) zero GHGs as soon as possible, and by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5C. Set an interim target to achieve in the next decade, which reflects maximum effort towards or beyond a fair share of the 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030 identified in the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C. You have one year after you sign to set your targets.
Plan >
Within 12 months of joining explain what actions will be taken toward achieving both interim and longer-term pledges, especially in the short-to-medium term. You have one year after you sign to set your action plan.
Refer to the full details on the refined criteria, and accompanying interpretation guide and language guide. It is expected that universities and colleges include scope 3 emissions as the same as businesses do.
Proceed >
Take immediate action toward achieving (net) zero, consistent with delivering interim targets specified. You have one year after you sign to set your targets.
The Race to Zero criteria is set by an Expert Peer Review Group, which comprises scientific and technical experts from around the world.
Publish >
Commit to report publicly both progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as the actions being taken, at least annually. You have one year after you sign to develop your annual report.
Persuade >
The 5th P was introduced through the 2022 Criteria Consultation in recognition of the importance of aligning each actor’s influencing capacities with their net zero commitments. The Race to Zero campaign will prioritise, with its Partners, the implementation of ‘Persuade’, building on findings of the Pivot Point report launched on 21 September 2022.
