Sustainability

The John Innes Centre recognises the threat posed by the climate crisis, the urgency of the challenge and the unique role our research institute plays in seeking solutions to global challenges.

This new Sustainability Strategy sets out the roadmap to net zero. It is designed to embed sustainability in every aspect of the institute, and to achieve net zero by 2040.

Sustainability specialist, Ethne Clark, said, “It is clear that we are in a state of climate emergency, and this requires immediate action to avoid reaching the tipping point of a 1.5°C global temperature rise. I am delighted that we now have a Sustainability Strategy for the institute that drives us towards net zero by 2040”.

Scientific research is an energy and resource intensive endeavour, however now more than ever it is both environmentally and financially important to review and improve the long-term sustainability of the institute’s facilities and working practices.

The United Nations Paris Agreement, which came into force in 2015, highlighted the need to limit global average temperature rises to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To this end, the UK government has committed to progressive decarbonisation and a commitment to ‘net-zero’ emissions in the UK by 2050.

The strategy covers actions, objectives and targets across a range of areas including carbon footprint, energy, waste, water, procurement, biodiversity, sustainable science, research impact, travel, engagement and governance.

Download the JIC Sustainability Strategy

Illustration at the top of the page: Healthy Planet by Louise Fitzgerald