The 2019-2021 carbon footprint of Tampere Universities community reflects COVID-19 and cold winters
In 2021, the largest sources of emissions at the Universities community were properties and research infrastructures
The calculation included both Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The carbon footprint has been calculated for three consecutive years (2019–2021) using the same definitions and it captured the main sources of emissions from the Universities community’s activities: properties, research infrastructures, work-related travel, procurement of IT devices, procurement of goods and services, and events.
The calculation model is based on the calculation models and carbon emission factors created for universities of applied sciences by the University of Turku and the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (ARENE). Universities are actively working together to develop the carbon footprint calculation. The calculation model for the coming years will be refined as the availability of data and information for the calculation improves, and the definitions of emissions from different sources evolve. The carbon footprint calculation was carried out by a multidisciplinary working group, which included representatives of both Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences.
The greenhouse gas emissions of the Universities community, i.e., the total carbon footprint in 2021, were estimated at 19,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, of which Tampere University accounted for about 87%. In 2021, the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions were properties (45%) and research infrastructures (39%). Heating accounts for the majority of properties-related carbon emissions (87% of the emissions in question). In terms of electricity, Tampere Universities community uses green, carbon-neutral electricity based on renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources. Emissions from research infrastructures split over a long period of time, as not only the size of infrastructures but also the length of their life cycles have an impact to the emissions.
“The carbon footprint calculation plays a key role in providing the necessary information to build a roadmap of different emission reduction options towards a more sustainable and carbon neutral Tampere Universities community”, Paula Järvenpää, Development Manager at Tampere University and Eeva-Liisa Viskari, Senior Specialist at Tampere University of Applied Sciences, say.
For comparison, the 2021 emissions of the entire Universities community would be equivalent to, for example, about 50,000 flights from Helsinki to Kiev (about 385 kg carbon dioxide equivalent, per 1,170 km flight).
Differences in the distribution of emission sources between the Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences
The largest sources of emissions for Tampere University were research infrastructures (44%), properties (43%), and procurement of IT devices (6%). At Tampere University of Applied Sciences, the largest sources of emissions were properties (63%), services and procurement (12%), research infrastructures (11%) and procurement of IT-devices (10%). A key factor in the large difference in the shares of different emission categories between the University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences is especially due to the large research infrastructures of the University.
The restrictions caused by COVID-19 and teleworking reflect the emissions from work-related travel and procurement of IT devices
In 2019, work-related travel generated the majority of emissions at the Universities community, accounting for 41% and 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. In 2020, the restrictions caused by COVID-19 collapsed the amount of business travel by the Universities community, and this was naturally reflected in the emissions from work-related travel. In 2020, emissions from work-related travel were down to 10% of 2020 emissions, and in 2021 they were down to 8% of 2020 emissions. However, emissions from work-related travel are expected to increase significantly in 2022.
Emissions from the procurement of IT devices increased by 18% from 2019 to 2020, partly due to an increase in purchases of teleworking equipment (computers, monitors, tablets). However, the growth reversed in 2021 and emissions from these purchases were 12% below 2019 levels.
The electricity at the Universities community is carbon neutral, but the basic heating needed to maintain the properties and comply with health and safety regulations depends heavily on the cold winter weather. Emissions from real estate in 2021 increased compared to previous years precisely because of the higher demand for heating.
Steps towards carbon neutrality
In line with the agreements with the Ministry of Education and Culture, Tampere Universities community aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. Achieving this goal will be guided by a roadmap for sustainable development at the Universities community, which outlines the key timetabled actions to achieve the goal. The roadmap will be published on Intranet once it has been approved by both universities. The next step will be to prepare concrete measures to reduce unnecessary and avoidable emissions as much as possible. Once all possible reductions have been made, the remaining carbon footprint must be offset to achieve carbon neutrality. The critical review of emissions will continue beyond this point because carbon neutrality will never be complete.
“Promoting sustainable development and achieving carbon neutrality is a common cause and opportunity for the entire Universities community. Achieving this goal requires the involvement and expertise of all Universities community’s members. In particular, community ideas and expertise are needed when considering possible concrete ways to reduce emissions in a sustainable way, while ensuring the quality of core tasks,” Paula Järvenpää and Eeva-Liisa Viskari say.
There have already been active discussions and plans in different parts at the Universities community to promote sustainable development in education, research, and societal impact. Practical steps have also already been taken at several units.
More information about the Universities community’s work on sustainable development:
Paula Järvenpää, Development Manager at Tampere University, +358 40 190 1390, paula.jarvenpaa [at] tuni.fi,
Eeva-Liisa Viskari, Senior Specialist at Tampere University of Applied Sciences +358 40 846 9452, eeva-liisa.viskari [at] tuni.fi
Matias Nurminen, Senior Specialist on sustainable development and innovation culture, +358 50 318 2397, matias.nurminen [at] tuni.fi
More information about calculating carbon footprints:
Teemu Toivonen, Knowledge Management Senior Specialist at Tampere University, +358 40 849 0940, teemu.toivonen [at] tuni.fi
Read more about Tampere Universities community’s work on:
sustainable development
ecological responsibility and carbon neutrality
Find out more about:
the concepts of carbon neutrality
