UCL divests from fossil fuels as it launches bold new sustainability strategy

UCL has announced it will divest from fossil fuels by the end of 2019, as the university today launches its bold new sustainability strategy. The university has committed not to invest in companies involved in fossil fuel extraction or production and will make public its portfolio of investments to be transparent about its investment decisions. The move comes as UCL sets out its plans to be ever-more active in tackling the global climate emergency whilst deepening its commitment as a leader in environmental and social sustainability. Among the key measures announced today is a pledge for all UCL buildings to be net zero carbon by 2024 and for our whole institution to be net zero carbon by 2030. Within the next five years, UCL has also committed to create a plastic-free campus and give all of its 42,000 students the opportunity to study and be involved with sustainability. The new initiatives build on action UCL has previously taken which has seen a 27 per cent reduction in carbon emissions in the last 10 years, becoming a zero-to-landfill university and only commissioning and constructing sustainable buildings. UCL's new Student Centre has recently been awarded the BREEAM Outstanding rating - one of only 320 buildings in the world to achieve this status.