The University of Bern names carbon reduction and innovation as the focal points of its climate strategy

It seemed that the original target of the University of Bern to achieve climate neutrality by 2025 in all areas over which it had a direct influence would only be achievable by purchasing large numbers of carbon offset certificates. In recent years, however, new scientific findings concerning assessment and verification methods as well as the partly misleading overemphasis on compensation measures have led to growing scepticism, even among experts at the University of Bern, towards certain types of carbon offset certificates.

"In response, the university administration has agreed to thoroughly update its climate strategy by focusing on carbon reduction measures and innovative approaches", explained Virginia Richter, Rector of the University of Bern. Currently, in conjunction with the faculties, carbon reduction targets and measures are being devised, adding to previously implemented and planned centralized carbon reduction measures. "The University of Bern is one of the top institutions in terms of sustainable development", said Richter. "It is therefore crucial that we find a solid path towards climate neutrality which includes sustainable solutions." During a two-year development phase, involving the faculties' plans, the intention is to create a joint, university-wide Climate Neutrality 2030 Roadmap. Heike Mayer, Vice-Rector for Quality and Sustainable Development, pointed out that the latter would also incorporate new, alternative climate protection participation projects and innovative measures.

Broad implementation of carbon reduction measures

In recent years, a number of successful climate protection measures have been implemented at the University of Bern. A first step focused primarily on university-wide measures. These for instance included drives to convert the energy supply, requiring all employees to avoid flying by introducing a so-called traffic light system and promoting digital event formats. In order to realise the full potential for reducing carbon, the Vice-Rector's Office for Quality and Sustainable Development has partnered up with the faculties, centers, central administration, intermediate staff association, student body and other interest groups to produce tailored solutions. Mayer: "These carbon reduction measures can vary considerably. For instance, hazardous waste as a source of emissions only affects three faculties. Also, low-carbon procurement measures, increasing re-use and recycling rates, and resource-friendly lab activities do not affect all faculties in equal measure." The same applied to flights, according to Mayer, since the frequency and reasons for flying (conferences, networking, research work) varied from faculty to faculty.

Promoting innovative projects

Despite its strong focus on carbon reduction measures, the university will, in the foreseeable future, continue to produce unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions. The University of Bern plans to offset these emissions by making a positive contribution to climate protection using a two-way system: Any remaining emissions from flights will continue to be offset through the purchase of certificates. When selecting which carbon offset projects to support, the University of Bern takes the aforementioned criticism of assessment and verification methods very seriously, revising the portfolio of selected projects accordingly. On the other hand, the Climate Neutrality 2030 Roadmap project seeks to implement new, alternative climate protection engagement measures by concentrating on its own sphere of activities among university staff and via partnerships with social, political and economic operators. For instance, these may involve carbon emission reduction and research projects, investment in new technologies, or climate change adaptation measures. The inspiration for these projects will come from an ideas competition and the new 'Engaged UniBE' transdisciplinary outreach project. Mayer: "We want to develop new approaches based on the unique strengths a university has to offer: creativity and knowledge."

Nevertheless, Mayer pointed out that these alternatively climate protection measures were limited in terms of offsetting the carbon footprint. "In the long-term, we plan to investigate negative emissions technologies and natural sinks. After all, binding carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is the only viable way to permanently offset unavoidable emissions", she concluded.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.klimaneutral.unibe.ch/index_eng.html