TEAM Energy’s latest Customer Spotlight features Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Simon Chubb, Head of Sustainability, sharing valuable insights into integrating net zero across university life.

This feature explores ARU’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, covering operations, education, and community engagement, and offers practical guidance for organisations pursuing net zero.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Higher Education

ARU is at the forefront of the UK’s net zero transition, driven by its mission to improve lives through innovation and accountability.

Simon Chubb notes:

“Achieving net zero is deeply aligned with Anglia Ruskin University’s mission to transform lives through innovative and entrepreneurial education and research. Our core values, including innovation, responsibility, and community, are reflected in our commitment to sustainability. We see it as our responsibility not only to our students, but also to the communities we serve and future generations.”

Key Actions and Achievements

Zero Carbon Electricity: Anglian Ruskin has eliminated Scope 2 emissions via a power purchase agreement, sourcing 20% of its base load from wind and the rest from nuclear, ensuring a fully zero carbon electricity supply.

Infrastructure Decarbonisation: Investments in district heating and smart building tech aim to cut Scope 1 emissions to zero by 2035, as part of a 10-year plan to modernise over 75 buildings.

Scope 3 Emissions: ARU targets net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2045, supported by a university-wide travel management system to track and reduce travel-related emissions.

Engaging the ARU Community

The award-winning ARU Green programme encourages students, staff, and stakeholders to take weekly sustainable actions, such as saving energy and choosing low-carbon travel. It records 40,000–50,000 actions annually, reducing around 100 tonnes of carbon each year.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Despite funding cuts and rising energy costs, ARU has stayed on course by focusing on scalable, practical solutions and forming strategic partnerships, including joint energy agreements and public sector frameworks.

Advice for Other Organisations

Simon Chubb offers this guidance:

“Collaboration is key. No institution can do this alone. Sharing knowledge, resources, and support has been essential. Accept that the journey won’t be perfectly mapped out. What matters is knowing your direction of travel and committing to it. Be flexible, stay focused, and build momentum through achievable steps. That’s how we’ve made progress, and how others can too.”

Learn More
Read the full interview with Simon Chubb to discover how ARU is turning net zero ambitions into action and inspiring sector-wide change.

Anglia Ruskin University: Sustainability across operations and education