The path to climate neutrality
By 2030, the University of Graz aims to reduce emissions by at least two thirds with its measures and to achieve "net-zero emissions" by participating in carbon storage in Austria. According to the carbon management approach of the University of Graz, true climate neutrality means that at least 90 percent of emissions must be reduced compared to the reference period. The University of Graz has set itself the goal of achieving this by 2040. External verification takes place annually as part of the EMAS audits.
To effectively persue its climate neutrality goal, a greenhouse gas inventory was created, which serves as the starting point for the roadmap with wich the university aims to achieve climate neutrality.
CarbonTracer is a service for the reliable calculation and realistic mapping of greenhouse gas emissions in the area of mobility and differentiates between various means of transport. The entire life cycle of the means of transport is taken into account.
The service can support you, for example, in the following areas:
- Forecasting: Planning of (business) trips (comparison of GHG emissions regarding means of transport)
- Backcasting: GHG emissions of past (business) trips (monitoring of GHG emissions)
- Nowcasting: GHG live calculator (e.g. overlay app with emissions tracking during the trip)
- Commuting: evaluation/comparison of "commuting routes" for more climate-friendly commuting
The greenhouse gas inventory of the University of Graz
The greenhouse gas inventory was calculated based on the years 2015 to 2019 and represents the starting point implementing climate protection measures.
The roadmap to a climate-neutral University of Graz
With the help of the planned measures, the University of Graz aims to achieve "net zero emissions" from its operations by 2030 and and to reach climate neutrality by 2040.
Step by step climate fit: Measures of the University of Graz
In order to continuously improve its environmental performance, the University of Graz has participated in the environmental program ÖKOPROFIT (ÖKOlogisches PROjekt Für Integrierte UmweltTechnik) of the City of Graz since 2005.
EMAS is a voluntary system with the aim of promoting continuous improvement in corporate environmental protection. Companies and organizations in the EU can be validated for this purpose.
The "CFE certification as a bicycle-friendly company" is a Europe-wide award based on EU standards, which is awarded in Austria by the Mobility Research Association in cooperation with the Radlobby Österreich. Among other things, it evaluates the availability of a sufficient number of high-quality bicycle parking spaces and the promotion of cycling motivation among employees.
The University of Graz is on its way towards becoming one of the first universities in Austria to achieve climate neutrality. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions generated on campus are to be drastically reduced by 2030 (68 % compared to the reference emissions inventory). The University of Graz aims to achieve climate neutrality according to the CM standard by 2040.
In a significant step towards greater sustainability and climate protection, the University of Graz and the City of Graz have signed the Climate Pact for a climate-neutral Graz 2040 . Both institutions are committed to contributing to achieving climate neutrality in their respective areas of responsibility.
"Climate change presents us with enormous challenges," said the representatives at the signing ceremony. "We take our responsibility seriously and are making a significant contribution to climate protection. We are doing this out of solidarity with future generations."
Greenhouse gas emissions in organizations arise mainly from four areas: Energy, mobility, resources, and in the area of buildings and finance. The carbon management approach determines which actors can act and how. The starting point for measures leading to emission reduction and storage is the greenhouse gas inventory, which is calculated at the beginning of the project. The Carbon Management approach can be used for institutional, personal, public, non-profit and commercial entities. Click here for more information about the Carbon Management Approach and its applicability in your organization.