The University of Cambridge ranks third overall for electric vehicle ownership Andrew Roberts / UNSPLASH
The University of Cambridge ranks first among the Russell Group universities and third overall in the car dealership conglomerate Group 1 Automotive ranking of universities for their electric vehicle ownership.
The company used freedom of information requests to find out the percentage of electric and diesel vehicles owned by various universities, and requested an updated list of the cars and vans owned or rented to the university, with a breakdown by hybrid, diesel and gasoline. They also asked if each university had a future quota or target regarding electric vehicles in their fleet.
The report found that 69 percent of Cambridge’s vehicle fleet is electric, with 37 of the university’s 54 vehicles being electric.
London Business School and Birkbeck College took 1st and 2nd place respectively, with 100% of their vehicles being electric.
Six Russell Group universities, including Warwick and Sheffield, have been rated “Tier 1” with over 33 percent of their vehicle fleets being electric.
According to the report, 18 out of 132 universities responded with a statement to make their fleets more sustainable by implementing a zero-emissions plan. Some universities also spoke of their future goals of being 100% electric.
The report also highlighted the Cambridge Zero initiative. The initiative is led by climate scientist Dr. Emily Shuckburgh OBE, Fellow of Darwin College, directs and commits the university to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2038.
As stated on the university’s website, Cambridge Zero aims to “leverage the full spectrum of the university’s research and policy expertise and develop solutions that work for our lives, our society and our economy”.
Cambridge Zero’s research portfolio brings together work from across the university to focus on six main areas: carbon-free energy conversion; Health and society; Resources and production; resilient futures; Transport, cities and infrastructure; and carbon degradation and climate repair.
Cambridge Zero also plans to mainstream climate change education into all levels of education.
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