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In 2010, the UK's Higher Education Sector set a carbon reduction target of 43%. This study aims to evaluate the performance of this Sector for the period before and after the implementation of its carbon reduction target. Dataset available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency has been extensively used in this study. Significant factors driving the sector's energy consumption have been identified. Energy performance indicators have been established. The increasing role of green technologies in the sector's energy mix has been unlocked. The sector's energy and carbon performance have been additionally analysed by critically analysing the data collected from the display energy certificates. In the end, the impact of Brexit on the sector's academic and environmental targets has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cities play a significant role globally in creating carbon emissions but, as centers of major population, innovation and social practice, they also offer important opportunities to tackle climate change. The new challenges faced by cities in an 'age of austerity' and decentralist agendas present substantial challenges for coordinated multilevel governance. Results: Based on research carried out in 2011–2012, this paper examines the attitudes and responses of sustainability and climate change officers in UK cities that have prepared low carbon and climate change plans, in the context of these challenges. Using a conceptual framework that analyses 'awareness', 'analysis' and 'actions' (in the context of spending cuts and a new 'decentralized' policy agenda) this research suggests that progress on low-carbon futures for cities continues to be fragmented, with increased funding constraints, short-termism and lack of leadership acting as key barriers to progress. Conclusion: Recent UK national policies (including localism, austerity measures and new economic incentives) have not only created further uncertainties, but also scope for cities' local innovation through policy leverage and self-governing actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]