Two archaeologists, one with GPS equipment, staring into the distance in a frozen field

Oxford Archaeology (OA) has launched its Carbon Reduction Plan which cements the organisation's commitment to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050. 

The Plan, the first step towards this ambitious target, is part of the organisation's environmental objectives and has been developed in collaboration with Spring Environmental. 

OA's chief executive, Ken Welsh, said that the Carbon Reduction Plan is an important part of the charity's commitment to making a positive contribution to society at a time when climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. 

Launching this carbon reduction plan is not just about meeting the needs of today, but about building a legacy for the future. The choices we all make today will have a lasting impact on generations to come. 

Ken Welsh 

Chief Executive, Oxford Archaeology

The work to produce the Plan started with an assessment of OA's carbon footprint to identify the priority areas of action and consultation with all OA staff to understand behaviours and map opportunities for changes that can lead to a reduction of carbon emissions linked to commuting and home-working practices. 

The Plan, which launches today, sets out a series of objectives and actions to be implemented over three years, to 2027. The Plan focuses on five main areas:

  • Improving the energy efficiency of OA offices and adopting renewable energy wherever possible;
  • Improving transport options to reduce emissions from fuel;
  • Supporting OA staff to adopt active travel and reducing emissions from their commute;
  • Ensuring the organisation's purchasing practices are aligned with the carbon reduction objectives;
  • Working with partners in contruction and infrastructure to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain. 

OA will continue to work with Spring Environmental to monitor progress towards the Plan's objectives.