Staff, students and alumni are invited to a series of events exploring the University’s plans to create woodlands and restore peatland in order to offset our carbon emissions. Net zero carbon by 2040 The University is tackling climate change across all its activities as part of its plan to be net zero carbon by 2040. This includes initiatives like improving the way we power and heat our buildings; electrifying our vehicle fleet where possible and replacing non-essential travel with alternatives where available. We will sequester remaining carbon from unavoidable emissions, such as essential flights. A million tonnes of carbon Image Tree planting, Big Dig, May 2021, photo: Andrew Perry and Sport & Exercise The aim is to deliver over one million tonnes of CO2 offsetting over the next 50 years over multiple sites across Scotland. In addition to sequestering carbon, this programme is designed to maximise the co-benefits for biodiversity and local communities whilst generating research, teaching and learning opportunities. As part of this work, the University has recently purchased its first of several sites. Drumbrae is a newly acquired site of around 431 hectares that will be managed by our Forests and Peatland Team to create woodland and improve open habitat. It is in the Ochil Hills, near the city of Stirling, north of Bridge of Allan. Hear about the project at the events All staff, students and alumni are invited to one of three events explaining the University's carbon sequestration plans and how these will also benefit learning, research and teaching. Central area: Tuesday 6 June, 1.30pm to 2.30pm King's buildings: Wednesday 7 June, 1.30pm to 2.30pm Online: Thursday 15 June, 11am to 12pm In-person and remote options are available. Reserve your place [login required] More than just offsetting Biodiversity Planting trees and restoring peatlands offers more than carbon offsetting, and this work will also benefit local wildlife and enhance biodiversity through restoring peatlands and expanding forests in Scotland. Community Local communities will also be part of the process to make sure this work has a positive social impact for neighbouring communities. Learning, teaching and research It will also yield significant benefits to the institution’s core purposes of research and education through the Learning, Teaching and Research Strategy associated with this work. Learning, teaching and research strategy Find out more about Drumbrae A new Land Management Plan is being produced to map out and guide what we will do at Drumbrae. You can find more information, including a video, map and timeline on the Forests and Peatland webpages. Drumbrae For more information on the site at Drumbrae, please read the Frequently Asked Questions. Carbon sequestration - FAQ Carbon sequestration Publication date 12 May, 2023
