Measuring carbon performance in a UK University through a consumption-based carbon footprint: De Montfort University case study

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a consumption-based carbon footprint study for a UK university including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions under the classification of the WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard. Data was collected from different departments of the University to estimate emissions and identify carbon hotspots. The scope 3 emissions comprised around 79% of the total university’s greenhouse gas emissions, which supports the rationale for the consumption-based methodology. Procurement emissions were 38% of the overall estimated footprint and 48% of total scope 3 emissions which, as the largest emissions sector, highlights the need to implement policies that address the supply chain of the products that universities consume. It presents the most comprehensive analysis to date of the consumption-based emissions associated with a UK higher education institution. The consumption-based methodology developed in this project can now be applied to other universities to gain a better understanding of their major greenhouse gas emissions and the actions that they need to take to reduce these emissions.