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KTH's Climate Goals and the Pathway to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions

KTH is in a crucial phase of its climate and sustainability transition. Through clear objectives, the Climate Framework, and systematic remedial action, the university is taking responsibility for contributing to sustainable societal development. KTH's goal is to reduce its total climate impact by 60 per cent (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by 2030, and subsequently achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest – in accordance with national and international commitments.

KTH's Climate Goals 2026–2030

KTH's sustainability and climate goals for the 2026–2030 period entail that sustainable development shall permeate the entirety of its operations – research, education, and day-to-day activities.

To achieve the target of a 60 per cent reduction in climate impact by 2030, KTH is driving a number of prioritised initiatives that directly contribute to reducing emissions from its own operations. These measures are outlined in the action plan under efficient and sustainable use of resources (kth.se) . This includes, among other things, a substantial reduction in emissions from business travel, more energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable procurement. Focus is also placed on circularity and reuse in everyday operations – including through spatial optimisation, circular material flows, and the reuse of furniture and furnishings.

Taking Action – From Strategy to Implementation

To reach these climate goals, KTH is working with a broad spectrum of concrete measures, such as:

  • The introduction of a carbon budget for air travel.

  • Energy efficiency improvements in buildings.

  • Sustainable procurement procedures incorporating climate requirements.

  • An increased focus on circular flows and the reuse of materials and furnishings.

Higher Education Institutions Collaborating for the Climate

KTH has signed the Climate Framework for Higher Education Institutions (V-2019-0572). The higher education institutions that have signed the framework view the climate as a crucial and prioritised issue for the future. Within the higher education institutions' climate network, the sector is working to contribute to the societal transition in line with the Paris Agreement. Read more about the Climate Framework here (kth.se) .

KTH's Climate Report

KTH monitors its total carbon footprint in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. However, in 2022, KTH did not achieve its goal of becoming climate-neutral regarding Scope 1 (direct emissions from KTH's own operations). Instead of achieving neutrality, emissions increased by approximately 10 per cent compared to 2019. Read more in KTH's Climate Report here (kth.se) .

Sources of Emissions
The largest contributors to KTH's carbon footprint are:

  1. Purchased goods and services (71%)

  2. Business travel and commuting (20%)

  3. Premises (8%)

Energy for heating and cooling is sourced from district heating and district cooling systems. Despite the overall increase in emissions, KTH has made progress in reducing its energy-related carbon footprint:

  • Emissions from energy use decreased by 13% compared to 2019.

  • The carbon emission intensity from energy use per square metre decreased from 6.8 kgCO2e/m² in 2019 to 5.9 kgCO2e/m² in 2022.

  • 100% of the electricity comes from renewable sources and solar panels.

  • In 2024, 97% of the total energy use at KTH came from renewable sources.

  • Solar energy production from KTH's buildings reached 407,130 kWh (2024).

Looking Ahead – The Pathway to Net-Zero

While KTH has made progress in reducing emissions from electricity, heating, and cooling, further measures are required to reach the climate goals. The university must address the significant emissions from purchased goods and services, as well as business travel and commuting, in order to make substantial progress towards its climate targets. KTH also needs to develop a plan for how residual emissions are to be balanced.

Beyond the University

KTH is expanding its sustainability efforts beyond its campus:

  1. Collaboration with Akademiska Hus: KTH works closely with its property owner, which strives for 100% fossil-free delivered energy.

  2. The Higher Education Institutions' Climate Network: KTH participates in focus groups to reduce the climate impact of higher education institutions.

  3. Governmental Support: KTH researchers have contributed to the government's climate action plan, providing a foundation for national climate strategies. Read more here (kth.se)

  4. EU Mission Label: KTH was among the organisations that signed the Stockholm Climate City Contract, which led to the city being approved by the EU and receiving the EU Mission Label.

  5. Viable Cities: KTH's strategic innovation programme, Viable Cities, inspired the development of the EU's Climate City Contract.

  6. Through education, striving to ensure that students graduating from KTH possess the competence to contribute to and lead the transition towards a secure, just, and sustainable world.

  7. Striving to be a leading technical university in research for sustainable societal development.

These initiatives, among others, demonstrate KTH's commitment to sustainability both within and beyond the university, and contribute to broader societal efforts to combat climate change.