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Carbon footprint

Several gas cylinders in a row
CO₂ gas cylinders at the Biozentrum. (Image: Anna Wirz, © NMC, University of Basel)

The University of Basel emitted 49% fewer greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 compared with the previous year. The heavy restriction of air travel as a result of the coronavirus pandemic was primarily responsible for this development.

Icon of SDG 13.3
Contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/)

Anthropogenic greenhouse gases amplify the natural greenhouse effect and lead to a warming of the Earth's climate, with serious consequences for humanity and the environment. For this reason, the University of Basel has resolved to track and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, the emphasis was put on improving the available data. The carbon footprint now encompasses not only energy-related emissions (electricity, heating, cooling), but also emissions caused by air travel and catering (number of meals provided). Both areas are of great importance. Catering and air travel are responsible for an average of approx. 7 % and 48 %, respectively, of the total carbon footprint. Electricity (6 %), heating (37 %) and cooling (1 %) account for the remaining emissions.

Decrease in emissions 2020

The university registered a decrease in emissions of about 49 % compared with the previous year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decisive factor was the approx. 80 % decrease in the number of flights, from 7,166 (in 2019) to 1,403 (in 2020). More information about air travel can be found in the section Mobility.


Carbon footprint in metric tonnes of CO₂-equivalents

2017
2018
2019
2020
Percentage 2020
Compared to previous year
Since 2017

Scope 1 - Direct emissions

2017

82

2018

103

2019

129

2020

94

Percentage 2020

2 %

Compared to previous year

-27 %

Since 2017

+15 %

Scope 2 - Indirect emissions: Energy demand

2017

1'861

2018

1’428

2019

1’512

2020

1’456

Percentage 2020

39 %

Compared to previous year

-4 %

Since 2017

-22 %

Scope 3 - Indirect emissions: Total

2017

5’901

2018

5’265

2019

5’656

2020

2’183

Percentage 2020

59 %

Compared to previous year

-61 %

Since 2017

-63 %

Scope 3 - Indirect emissions: Energy supply chain

2017

1’762

2018

1’430

2019

1’498

2020

1’380

Percentage 2020

37 %

Compared to previous year

-8 %

Since 2017

-22 %

Scope 3 - Indirect emissions: Catering

2017

404

2018

572

2019

484

2020

75

Percentage 2020

2 %

Compared to previous year

-85 %

Since 2017

-81 %

Scope 3 - Indirect emissions: Air travel

2017

3’736

2018

3’263

2019

3’673

2020

729

Percentage 2020

20 %

Compared to previous year

-80 %

Since 2017

-80 %

Total

2017

7’845

2018

6’796

2019

7’296

2020

3’734

Percentage 2020

100 %

Compared to previous year

-49 %

Since 2017

-52 %

Goals & actions

Goals 2021/2022
Actions
Responsible unit
Goals 2021/2022

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Actions

Develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; identify pathways to reduction and steps towards a climate-neutral campus

Responsible unit

Sustainability Office
Facilities
Project management & engineering
Campus managers

Achieved goals 2019/2020
Actions
Responsible unit
Achieved goals 2019/2020

Improve data on greenhouse gas emissions

Actions

Prepare a comparative greenhouse gas footprint for energy use, business trips and food service

Responsible unit

Sustainability Office

Fussnoten
Fussnoten

[1] Full Time Equivalents (FTE) include the number of employees (100% = 1 FTE) and the number of students. Students are counted as 0.68 FTE. A total of 11,716 FTE was used for 2019 and 12,012 FTE for 2020.

Fussnoten

[2]  The calculation of emissions per usable floor area does not include emissions due to air travel and catering, as these are not related to buildings.

Fussnoten

[3] The reason is the falling scope 1 and 2 emissions and the increase in usable floor area between 2017 and 2020.

Fussnoten

[4] The carbon footprint was calculated according to the international guidelines of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol

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