Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, with global warming, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, at its core. Achieving climate neutrality requires institutions, including universities, to assess and reduce their carbon footprint. Universities, as hubs of education, research, and administration, have a dual responsibility: to mitigate their own emissions, particularly from mobility, and to train future leaders to address the climate crisis.
This study, a collaboration between the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) in Germany and the Brusque University Center (UNIFEBE) in Brazil, investigates the link between urban mobility and GHG emissions in universities. Focusing on UNIFEBE, which serves 3500 students and 500 staff, the research identifies and quantifies emission sources. The campus, designed with large parking areas, reflects Brusque’s high vehicle ownership rate (0.8 vehicles per person), exceeding state (0.6) and national (0.4) averages. This reliance on cars poses a significant challenge for sustainable mobility.
Funded by the German agency Engagement Global, the research was conducted in two phases. The first, in Germany, involved a literature review and the development of a methodology for measuring GHG emissions, based on standards like ISO 14064. The second phase, in Brazil, used questionnaires to map commuting patterns at UNIFEBE, including daily commutes, academic trips, and international mobility.
The findings reveal that daily commuting is the primary source of emissions, with private cars being the dominant mode: 43% of students, 90% of faculty, and 50% of staff rely on them. These results highlight the urgent need for decarbonization strategies in university transportation. The study recommends continuous monitoring of mobility patterns, the use of digital tools for data collection, and integrated planning at university and municipal levels. It also emphasizes the importance of public policies promoting public transport and active modes like cycling, as well as aligning university strategies with global climate goals.
Inspired by German universities, which promote public transport and cycling, the study stresses the need to adapt these models to local contexts, considering infrastructure and cultural factors. By addressing these challenges, universities can lead the transition toward sustainable mobility and climate neutrality.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, K.D.C.B., C.B., S.D. and J.E.; methodology, K.D.C.B., C.B., S.D., J.E. and D.F.; software, C.B., S.D. and D.F.; validation, K.D.C.B., C.B. and S.D.; formal analysis, K.D.C.B.; investigation, C.B. and S.D.; resources, C.B. and S.D.; data curation, C.B. and S.D.; writing—preparation of the original draft, C.B. and S.D.; writing—revision and editing, C.B. and S.D.; visualization, C.B. and S.D.; supervision, K.D.C.B.; Project management: K.D.C.B. and J.E.; funding acquisition: K.D.C.B. and J.E. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research was funded by the Engagement Global scholarship paid by Stipendium Hochschule KA 0086009602.
Institutional Review Board Statement
The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Brusque University Centre—UNIFEBE, protocol code: 82590424.8.0000.5636, date of approval: 12 September 2024.
Informed Consent Statement
Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement
The datasets presented in this article are not readily available because they are subject to Brazil’s General Data Protection Law. Requests for access to the datasets should be directed to
karol.carminatti@unifebe.edu.br.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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