Search Results (33)

To respond to the challenge of global climate change, universities should engage in carbon footprint research to identify effective strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In this research, a comprehensive framework tailored for the study of carbon footprints in universities was constructed and used in a university in Northeast China for a case study, based on the GHG Protocol and emission factor methodology. The sources of GHG emissions at this university were identified by the GHG Protocol. Activity data were collected through questionnaire surveys and field visits. The results show that the university’s annual carbon footprint in 2022 stands at 172,473.77 t CO₂-eq, with the contributions of Scope 1, 2, and 3 accounting for 2.35%, 64.69%, and 32.96%, respectively. Based on the carbon footprint quantification results, campus carbon reduction strategies were put forward from four perspectives: individual activities, building energy management, energy-loss reduction, and carbon sink, in order to enhance the sustainability of this university. An important difference between this work and previous studies is the explicit emphasis on the necessity of the indicative role of the carbon footprint in carbon reduction efforts. The case demonstrates the application of research framework and methods, providing methodologies and case references for future research on the carbon footprint of universities. Full article

The sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) literature does not directly address Scope 3 emissions despite their role as primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to provide an overview of the main themes through which the SSCM literature has considered Scope 3 emissions and identify further avenues for research. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted. Scopus and Web of Science were the databases considered. Sixty-one papers were included in the analysis. Most papers focus on assessing and estimating Scope 3 emissions, followed by papers that discuss the reporting of Scope 3 emissions. These papers shed light on how firms may not report Scope 3 emissions if the information is negative to improve investors’ perception of the firm. The last group of papers discusses practices and strategies to manage Scope 3 emissions. The main challenge identified in establishing strategies to manage Scope 3 emissions is engagement with stakeholders, as, generally, only one or two tiers of the value chain cooperate. This study is the first to organize the literature on Scope 3 emissions under the lens of SSCM. If supply chains are to become more sustainable, focal enterprise coordination must be effective and leverage practices such as Scope 3 emissions metrics and measurement, data sharing, and green product development for all stakeholders. Full article

This research aims to calculate the Carbon Footprint for Organization of a plant manufacturing frozen processed seafood and propose strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions following the Net-Zero Pathway, using 2024 as the baseline year. The findings indicate that Scope 1 emissions amounted to 12,685 tons of CO₂ eq, Scope 2 emissions totaled 15,403 tons of CO₂eq, and Scope 3 emissions reached 31,564 tons of CO₂eq, leading to a combined total of 59,652 tons of CO₂eq across all scopes, with an additional 34,027 tons of CO₂eq from other GHG sources. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, annual reductions of 3.46% per category are required. The short-term target for 2028f aims to reduce emissions to 10,929 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 1, 13,270 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 2, and 27,194 tons of CO₂eq for Scope 3, resulting in total emissions of 51,392 tons of CO₂eq. The proposed reduction strategies include optimizing Scope 1 emissions by preventing leaks in R507 refrigerant systems, replacing corroded pipelines, installing shut-off valves, and switching to low-GHG refrigerants. For Scope 2, measures focus on reducing electricity consumption through energy conservation initiatives, carrying out regular machinery maintenance, installing Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), upgrading to high-efficiency motors, and integrating renewable energy sources such as solar power. For Scope 3, emissions from raw material procurement can be minimized by sourcing from certified suppliers with established product carbon footprints, prioritizing carbon reduction labeling, and selecting nearby suppliers to reduce transportation-related emissions. These strategies will support the organization in achieving carbon neutrality and progressing toward the net-zero goal. Full article

This study presents a methodology for estimating the carbon footprint of urban neighborhoods as a necessary step in proposing and evaluating potential GHG reduction measures to enhance the sustainability of cities. Additionally, this method has been applied to Benicalap, a district in Valencia, Spain. This research employs the Datadis, QGIS, and HOMER tools to assess emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Tailored mitigation strategies are proposed, primarily focusing on reducing emissions in Scopes 1 and 2. While previous studies have extensively examined CO₂ emissions at broader geographic scales, like nations, regions, and cities, this study emphasizes the importance of neighborhood-level analysis to address localized environmental challenges effectively. The results reveal that Benicalap’s emissions contribute 28.69 ktCO₂ (15.56%) to Scope 1, 13.71 ktCO₂ (7.43%) to Scope 2, and 142 ktCO₂ (77%) to Scope 3. By 2030, targeted interventions could reduce emissions from Scopes 1 and 2 by 19,885 ktCO₂, representing a 50.69% reduction. Among the proposed measures, sustainable transportation improvements and photovoltaic deployment stand out, contributing to 25.39% and 24.87% of the reduction, respectively. Enhancements in public lighting and nature-based solutions would offer a minor decrease of 0.43%. These insights underscore the need for strategic, localized interventions to achieve meaningful emission reductions and support sustainable urban development efforts. Full article

Farmland ecosystems, as the most active carbon pool, are integral to global climate change and carbon cycling. Therefore, systematically studying the roles of carbon sources and sinks in farmland ecosystems is essential to deepening our understanding of the carbon cycle and meeting the goals of “peak carbon emissions” and “carbon neutrality” in agriculture. Using the Web of Science database, this study reviewed 1411 articles (2002–2023) via bibliometric analysis to identify key research themes, trends, future priorities and address suggestions for future directions in farmland ecosystem carbon sources and sinks. The main results include the following: (1) Over the past 22 years, global research in this field has shown a consistent growth trend, with remarkably rapid expansion in the past three years. China, the United States, and Germany are the most influential countries. As the research scope has expanded, the field has evolved into an interdisciplinary domain. (2) The diversity of this research area has become enriched, and the research content is becoming more refined and systematic. The main research topics focus on carbon sequestration, soil organic carbon (SOC), farmland management, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, carbon stocks, ecosystem services, land use changes, climate change, and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. (3) Current research hotspots primarily focus on studying soil microbial carbon sequestration mechanisms, the application of remote sensing technologies, and reducing GHG emissions to achieve “carbon neutrality”. While existing studies have systematically elucidated carbon sequestration mechanisms mediated by soil aggregates, microorganisms, and minerals, critical knowledge gaps persist. Regional disparities in the relative contributions of these mechanisms remain unresolved, compounded by methodological inconsistencies in carbon assessment that introduce substantial uncertainties. Although farmland management practices are identified as pivotal drivers of carbon flux variation, the interactive effects of anthropogenic interventions and natural factors on ecosystem-scale carbon balance require further mechanistic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive reference for further study on carbon sources and sinks of farmland ecosystems and devising effective emission reduction strategies. Full article

Embracing a greener future requires understanding our carbon footprint. This study analyses the greenhouse gas emissions of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (TUCN) across all three emission scopes (1, 2, and 3) over a two-year period (2022–2023), employing the GHG Protocol methodology and One Click LCA software. In 2022, TUCN reported total greenhouse gas emissions of 7445.1 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e), with a significant emphasis on Scope 3 emissions (28.3% of the total). This figure decreased slightly to 7229.1 tCO₂e in 2023. On a per-person basis, emissions decreased from 0.378 tCO₂e per person in 2022 to 0.362 tCO₂e per person in 2023. The emissions per square meter also decreased from 31.2 kgCO₂e/m² in 2022 to 30.3 kgCO₂e/m² in 2023. Stationary fuel use (primarily natural gas) remained the largest contributor to emissions, accounting for approximately 62.7% and 66.9% in 2022 and 2023, respectively. TUCN aims for an 80% emissions reduction by 2030, fostering positive environmental impacts through education, energy efficiency, community engagement, and partnerships. This study provides a foundation for achieving carbon neutrality, benchmarking Romanian institutions, and contributing to national climate mitigation. The research’s findings are valuable for those seeking to integrate sustainable practices within higher education and broader urban contexts. Full article

The chemical industry is a key driver of economic growth and innovation but remains one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Achieving sustainability demands advancements in green chemistry and cleaner production methods. This study investigates emission reduction strategies across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 by applying both top-down and bottom-up approaches within four system boundaries. The Austrian chemical sector, with a focus on ammonia, methanol, and olefins, serves as a case study. Results highlight the potential of abatement technologies and alternative feedstocks—such as low-carbon hydrogen and methanol—to significantly reduce emissions. Hydrogen-based production for ammonia and methanol, along with low-carbon methanol in olefin production, could reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by approximately 80% compared to conventional methods. However, Scope 3 emissions remain challenging due to embedded carbon in feedstocks and CO₂ use in production, particularly in product use and end-of-life phases. A comprehensive life cycle assessment is crucial to addressing these impacts. To evaluate Scope 3 emissions, this study explores three decarbonization scenarios: the reference scenario—relies on fossil-based production with high emissions; the geogenic scenario—integrates abatement technologies and geogenic CO₂ feedstock, reducing emissions by about 46%; and the bio-based scenario—combines abatement technologies with biogenic CO₂ feedstock, achieving an 80% reduction in total emissions at the national level. The findings emphasize the need for a system-wide approach that integrates bio-based solutions and circular economy strategies to achieve climate neutrality. However, uncertainties in climate policy, bio-resource availability, and data gaps in Scope 3 emissions must be addressed to ensure effective decarbonization and alignment with climate goals. Full article

This study investigates the greenhouse gas (GHG) and renewable energy use reporting practices among thermal power plants (TPPs), waste incinerators (WIs), and hydropower plants (HPPs) in Italy, as reflected in their EMAS environmental statements. The analysis focuses on GHG emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and renewable energy utilization reporting, and on the objectives set by the companies for reducing emissions and fossil fuels use. TPPs and WIs reported positive Scope 1 emissions extensively but reporting on Scope 2 and Scope 3 resulted inconsistent for all facilities. Negative emissions reporting was generally lacking, except for HPPs. Renewable energy use reporting was also limited, especially in TPPs and WIs, despite some facilities producing energy from renewable sources. The study also evaluated the objectives set by the companies on GHG reduction and renewable energy use increase, finding that GHG reduction was prioritized over renewable energy use. However, both were often a secondary goal integrated into planned operational improvements. The findings highlight that, to ensure transparency of sustainability data and the possibility of performances benchmarking in the energy production sector, there is the need for defining stronger reporting guidelines on GHG emissions, especially regarding Scope 3 emissions, and to prioritize increasing the share of renewable energy among strategic objectives. Future research should investigate factors affecting reporting behavior and the barriers to renewable energy adoption in fossil fuel-reliant sectors. Full article

(1) Background: Healthcare is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially within the surgical suite. Ophthalmologists play a role, since they frequently perform high-volume procedures, such as cataract surgery. This review aims to summarize the current literature on surgical waste and GHG emissions in ophthalmology and proposes a framework to standardize future studies. (2) Methods: Protocol and reporting methods were based on PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Articles that reported any quantitative measurement of waste or GHGs produced from ophthalmic surgeries were eligible for inclusion. Commentaries, opinion papers, reviews and articles in a non-English language were excluded. (3) Results: A total of 713 articles were reviewed, with 10 articles found to meet inclusion criteria. Six studies produced level 3 evidence, two level 4 evidence, and one level 5 evidence. According to studies, most of the GHGs came from procurement of surgical materials, followed by travel emissions and building energy. (4) Conclusions: Research on waste and GHGs produced in ophthalmic surgery is limited, and existing studies utilize varied approaches to quantify this waste. We propose a standardized waste-lifecycle framework for researchers to organize future research. Such standardization will help in comparing studies and may uncover more opportunities to implement impactful waste reduction strategies in ophthalmology. Full article

The possibility of charging and possibly discharging electric cars can influence not only the balancing of power demand profiles in the grid and the stabilization of voltage profiles but also the appropriate management of electricity within the grid of an industrial plant equipped with its own RES resources. For this purpose, the concept of “power supply modes” can be introduced, which involves intelligent demand-side management. Each technological process in an industrial plant should be assigned a specific level of importance and priority. These priorities can be numbered according to their importance (weights) and marked with appropriate colors. One thus obtains a qualitative assessment of energy consumption within the plant (demand side) through the lens of power modes. With respect to the ability to charge electric vehicles within the plant grid, such priorities can also be assigned to individual charging options. If a given RES has sufficient generation capacity during a particular time period, the cost of charging is low. However, if the RESs are not operational during a given period (e.g., nighttime in the case of photovoltaics or during calm weather in the case of wind turbines), vehicles can still be charged but according to a different priority, which, of course, involves higher costs. By having access to data on the generation capacity of distributed RESs and knowing the preferences of employees, including the number of electric cars and the expected periods of vehicle charging, it is possible to predict the degree of use of available green energy and manage it efficiently. The analyses presented in the article represent an original approach to the flexibility of operation not only of the electricity grid but also of the internal energy system of industrial plants. It offers a novel perspective aimed at maximizing the share of RESs in the overall energy balance and minimizing the costs associated with the operation of RESs. The theoretical opportunity of sustainable sharing with employees a dedicated charging mode named “free charging”, powered by RESs, could represent an appropriate solution for CO₂ emission reduction within Scope 3, Category 3, “employee commuting”, according to the GHG Protocol requirements. The original methodology proposed in the article aligns with activities related to the energy transition. Full article

This article discusses the challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change through sustainable resource management in the agri-food sector. These aspects are mandatory obligations for businesses under new EU directives and regulations. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be controlled at every stage of the value chain, from the acquisition of raw materials to transportation and cooperation with suppliers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the areas generating GHG emissions in the agri-food enterprise toward the development of guidelines for the sustainable development of domestic food production. This paper presents a GHG study in three scopes at one of the mills in Poland based on the GHG protocol methodology. The analysis of consumption of energy carriers was used to determine GHG emissions (Scopes 1 and 2), and the total amounted to about 2.1 million kg CO_2eq (the share of Scope 1 was about 16% and Scope 2 as high as 83%), and the average carbon footprint of flour production in terms of unit weight was 0.040 kg CO_2eq/kg. Extending the analysis to Scope 3, the emissions associated with this scope accounted for the largest share (92%), while Scopes 1 and 2 accounted for only 8%. The determined carbon footprint (considering the three GHG emission scopes) was 0.52 kg CO_2eq/kg. In Scope 3, the largest contribution was from category 1 emissions (92%) related to grain cultivation, and category 5 (6%) were emissions related to the transportation of sold products. The smallest impact is from category 3 emissions related to the management of generated waste. Regular calculation and reporting of emissions in each area enables the company to more fully understand its environmental impact, identify risks and implement changes that bring financial and environmental benefits. Full article

European Union cargo and container ports are under pressure to reduce GHG emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as mandated by the European Commission. The pace of progress varies among ports. This study examined the characteristics influencing GHG reduction measures in European cargo and container ports and their implications for sustainable investing. The methods used in this study, such as linear regression models to analyze predictive variables, can be applied in sustainable investing to assess which factors most strongly predict a company’s environmental, social, and governance performance. Using linear regression models to analyze data from the 33 busiest European ports, we identified five predictive variables: port size, cargo mix, surrounding population density, access to the sea, and the economic wealth of the host country. Our findings revealed that the port size significantly correlates with the adoption of measures to reduce scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This study underscores the importance of contextual and operational factors in evaluating sustainability efforts across sectors. The results contribute to drawing parallels with the field of sustainable investing within finance. This offers valuable insights for sustainable investing, emphasizing the importance of considering various contextual and operational factors when evaluating the sustainability efforts of entities in different sectors. Full article

This article conceptualises the link between firms’ value chains and distribution networks and the requirements for double-materiality assessments in contemporary reporting regulations worldwide. The new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the standards for sustainability reporting issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), called IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, require companies to report their own direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as GHG emissions in their value chains and distribution networks (both scope 3). However, GHG emissions comprise just one dimension of information that is relevant to understand when assessing, managing and reporting the footprints and impacts of a firm and are, therefore, only a fraction of the key performance indicators (KPIs) related to ESG that should be disclosed. Through a case study, this article demonstrates the connection between a due diligence analysis of a firm’s value chains and distribution networks; an analysis of the competitive parameters of its business model; the identified impacts, risks and opportunities; and the double-materiality perspective. The double-materiality perspective prioritises actions based on probability and significance, creating a natural space to identify KPIs. The implication of this study is that firms can be assisted in identifying relevant KPIs based on double-materiality assessments aided by applying the REGS model because it guides firms in choosing the most relevant KPIs. Full article

(1) Background: Human-generated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the largest contributor to climate change worldwide. Climate change negatively impacts human and planetary health, threatening the existence of life on earth. The healthcare industry is responsible for approximately 8.5% of carbon emissions in the United States. Measuring baseline GHG emissions is the first step in emissions reduction. However, very few models of measurement exist for health care organizations. This project aimed to develop and implement a program to measure and track GHG emissions at a midwestern academic medical center (MAMC) and to educate staff on how to manage the process. (2) Methods: A Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle and Quality Improvement methodology were used to develop, implement, and assess a standardized GHG emission inventory process to measure Scope 1 and Scope 2 baseline emissions and provide virtual training and education to the accountable staff. A pre- and post-survey design was used to measure the knowledge and readiness of the staff after the implementation of the GHG inventory training. (3) Results: The GHG inventory process was validated through an external verification process, and the measurement of Scope 1 and Scope 2 baseline GHG emissions was completed and verified for accuracy through a data comparison review. The pre-post-training survey showed an increase in the knowledge and readiness of staff to maintain a GHG inventory. (4) Conclusions: This work shows the feasibility of obtaining baseline GHG emissions data at large medical centers. It represents the initial phase of the overarching goal to develop site-wide and system-wide carbon reduction strategies and a climate action plan within this health system. Full article

The use of fossil fuels has pushed the world towards crucial ecological tipping points and a climate crisis. The rapid decarbonization of all sectors is necessary to limit the worst impacts of this. Within the sports and sport-tourism sectors, event organizers and policymakers are increasingly interested in assessing the environmental impacts of events and identifying the types of strategies needed to reduce their carbon footprint. This paper responds to calls for studies to examine and compare the environmental impacts of multiple sport events and contribute towards providing an enhanced understanding of key factors influencing the scale of those impacts. It focuses on assessing the carbon footprints of 28 mass participation running events in North America. The paper uses a methodology developed by the Council for Responsible Sport as part of its Responsible Sport Standard for Events accreditation process. The results highlight that variations existed between the events in terms of their reporting of GHG emissions. The average event generated 3363 MtCO₂e (0.23 MtCO₂e per capita), with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 99.9% of the total emissions, and 98.9% being attributable to participant travel. This demonstrates how the Council’s methodology can assist event organizers by providing valuable insights into the carbon footprint of their events and its potential value as an environmental management tool. The paper also discusses some of the challenges faced by event organizers in measuring the carbon footprint of their event, suggests strategies for reducing event emissions, and provides recommendations for strengthening the Council’s methodology and its contribution to global sustainability efforts. Full article