Sustainability Integrated Climate Action Plan
What is actually the situation with Heidelberg University’s carbon footprint? In September 2023 the Rectorate adopted an integrated climate action plan. This was the first time an extensive greenhouse emissions balance had been drawn up, with a list of measures.
As expected, an evaluation of the findings showed that the areas “energy” and “buildings” account for the greatest share of emissions. They make up approximately 87 percent of total CO2 emissions, according to the report, which is available online. “Mobility” follows with a share of eleven percent, then “procurement” and “waste disposal” with less than two percent. Besides drawing up a greenhouse emissions balance sheet, the climate action plan also included an analysis of the potential for saving and a list of measures. In harmony with the climate action policy of the state of Baden-Württemberg, it aims to achieve net greenhouse gas neutrality (climate neutrality) by 2040 via a phased reduction.
The elaboration of the climate action plan was funded over a period of two years by the National Climate Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to the tune of approximately 135,000 euros. Advice and support were given by the Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu). Its implementation is being accompanied by the climate protection management staff in the university administration, Division for Planning, Construction and Safety.