15 February 2024 
Cheryl Pick, Projects and Engagement Manager
Recent work from our Sustainability Advisory Group identified that effectively commissioning a decarbonisation brief and scope for institutions is a growing priority and a challenging process.
After a tender process run last year, AUDE chose Arup and commissioned them to provide a best practice guide on this issue to support members in their own activity, and we are delighted to begin this work with Arup and we will be publishing a guide for AUDE members late spring.
Arup recognises the crucial role universities play in tackling climate change, and this new guidance from their experts helps our members understand how to effectively brief consultants to develop decarbonisation plans to meet their net zero goals, and how to put those plans into action.
With lots of experience advising universities across the UK on reaching net zero emissions, Arup's dedicated team, led by experts Andy Sheppard and Adele Fletcher, will bring valuable insight into the unique drivers and priorities influencing sustainability efforts in the sector. By combining knowledge from carbon management plans, net zero pathways and decarbonisation strategies already developed in higher education and beyond, this work will provide targeted advice to maximise success when planning and implementing tailored decarbonisation roadmaps suited to institutions' individual characteristics and progress.
This guide will be an important resource as we work together to rapidly reduce carbon emissions in line with scientific targets. By enabling our members to effectively brief consultants and accelerate climate action on campus, the guidance aims to drive our sector’s shift towards net zero carbon. The Arup team will be available at the upcoming AUDE Conference and for those attending we invite you to connect with Arup's representatives at their workshop on Wednesday 17 April at 11.25am for the latest on the guide's development and key findings.
