AU wants to be a climate-friendly university

AU aims to be climate neutral by 2040. By 2025, the university wants to have reduced its CO₂ emissions by 35% compared with 2018. Aarhus University’s climate strategy 2020-2025 sets out the ways the university can achieve this and outlines goals and initiatives within four areas:

• Campus
• Procurement
• Transport
• Waste management 

The climate strategy was drawn up in collaboration between students, researchers and members of administrative staff. Following a broad consultation process at the university, it was approved by the senior management team. 

To support its climate strategy and to help reduce its CO₂ emissions, every year, AU draws up a climate action plan. Activities for the previous year are followed up each year. 

Additional reading:

• 2023 Action Plan (In Danish) 
• 2022 Action Plan (In Danish)

AU’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) report tracks the university’s climate footprint and is a tool for monitoring progress. See the most recent GHG emissions reports:

• 2023 (In Danish)
• 2022 (In Danish)
• 2021 (in Danish)

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The GHG emissions report in brief

The GHG emissions report contains an overview of greenhouse gas emissions by AU in a given year converted into CO₂ equivalents. The report gives AU greater insight into its climate impact and provides a baseline for assessing whether the university is on the right track in reducing its CO₂ emissions.

Aarhus University's GHG emissions report is calculated retrospectively each spring.

Greenhouse Gas Protocol

Aarhus University's GHG emissions report is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which is a recognised method of calculating emissions of greenhouse gases, converted into CO₂ equivalents and allocated between three scopes:

1. Direct emissions from the university's property, e.g. from boilers or heat and power production at AU, as well as in connection with the use of motor vehicles, operating the research vessel Aurora, or emissions from agricultural activities.
2. Indirect emissions related to the university's purchase of heating, electricity and cooling, for example.
3. Value-chain emissions, which include air travel and other purchases.

This is a globally applied and recognised method, and other organisations all over the world use it to calculate their CO₂ emissions.

Collaboration with external partners is essential for developing effective, sustainable solutions at AU – to achieve maximal benefit for both the university and the world around it.  

Danish networks:

• Aarhus Climate Alliance: AU is currently leading a working group on circular procurement and was also part of a working group on climate-friendly workplaces and work cultures. The working groups are two of five working groups under Climate Alliance Aarhus, which was established at the initiative of the City of Aarhus as a collaboration between some of the largest businesses and organisations in Aarhus.
• Energispring Aarhus - A network for energy, building operations and data. A professional network for energy efficiency. The network includes building owners, administrators and special interest organisations within energy and construction, who, along with Kredsløb and Aarhus Municipality, are focusing on reducing energy consumption through knowledge sharing and close collaboration.

International networks:

• NUAS sustainability aims to promote and integrate sustainable practices in campus operations at institutions of higher education in the Nordic countries.