United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 13: Climate action
Commitment to carbon neutral university. Have a target date by which it will become carbon neutral according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocols. Scope 1, scope 1 and 2, Scope 1, 2 and 3 (partial), scope 1, 2 and 3 (full).
UniSC has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029, demonstrating its commitment to environmental leadership. This initiative focuses on reducing emissions through a variety of in-house strategies designed to minimize the university’s carbon footprint. Central to this effort is the Carbon Management Plan (CMP), which serves as a comprehensive roadmap outlining the specific actions needed to reach this goal. The CMP addresses key areas such as transport, travel, energy use (both electrical and stationary), waste management, water usage, and the management of gases across scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
To ensure progress towards carbon neutrality, UniSC meticulously measures its consumption and emissions. This involves generating detailed internal reports on a half-yearly and yearly basis, which track the university’s performance against its carbon reduction targets. These reports provide critical data that helps UniSC identify areas where further improvements can be made and ensure that the university remains on track to meet its 2029 goal. The transparency of this process is a key component, as it allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment of strategies to maximise their effectiveness.
Moreover, UniSC is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in its sustainability efforts. The key emissions figures and progress towards carbon neutrality are publicly reported in both the Annual Report and the Sustainability Report. These documents provide a clear overview of the university’s performance, highlighting achievements and identifying areas for future focus. By openly sharing this information, UniSC not only demonstrates its dedication to sustainability but also encourages other institutions to adopt similar practices.
Summary
UniSC engages the entire university community in its sustainability initiatives. This includes promoting sustainable practices among students, staff, and faculty, and encouraging participation in programs aimed at reducing the university’s environmental impact. Through education and engagement, UniSC fosters a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the campus, contributing to broader efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship.