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KTH's Carbon Footprint and Climate Goals

KTH has signed the Climate Framework for universities and higher isnitutions (V-2019-0572) as well as the "2030 Climate Neutrality Commitment, City of Stockholm" (KTH-RPROJ-0275215) and has thus committed to implementing measures to be in line with 1.5- the degree target. Through KTH's sustainability goals 2021–2025 and climate goals 2021-2045 (V-2021-0087) with associated action plan, KTH has committed to reducing its climate impact alongside with the Overall objectives and measures.

Progress and Challenges

Overall Emissions
KTH measures its total carbon footprint across the university in accordance with its climate goals. However, in 2022, KTH fell short of its target to become climate-neutral regarding Scope 1 (direct emissions from KTH's own operations). Instead of achieving neutrality, emissions increased by almost 20% compared to 2015.

Emission Sources

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 Usage and Improvements

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

  • Total energy use decreased by 13% compared to 2019
  • Carbon dioxide emission intensity from energy use per m² reduced from 6.8 kgCO2e/m² in 2019 to 5.9 kgCO2e/m² in 2022
  • 100% of electricity comes from renewable sources and solar panels
  • By 2023, 97% of total energy usage at KTH was from renewable sources
  • Solar energy production from KTH buildings reached 407,130 kWh

Future Outlook

While KTH has made strides in reducing emissions from electricity, heating, and cooling, more action is needed to reach its climate goals. The university must address the significant emissions from purchased goods and services, as well as business travel and commuting, to make substantial progress towards its climate objectives.

Beyond the University

KTH extends its sustainability efforts beyond its campus:

  1. Collaboration with Akademiska Hus: KTH works closely with its property owner, who aims for 100% fossil-free delivered energy.
  2. Higher Education Climate Network: KTH participates in a working group focused on reducing climate impact from buildings and energy use
  3. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a central role in efforts to combat climate change. 37 Swedish universities and colleges have created a combined climate framework to serve as the basis for individual climate strategies (länka).
  4. Government Support: KTH researchers have contributed to the government's climate action plan, providing a basis for national climate strategies plan ( read more ) 
  5. EU Mission Label: KTH was among the organizations that signed Stockholm's Climate City Contract, leading to the city's approval by the EU and receipt of the EU Mission Label
  6. Viable Cities: KTH's strategic innovation programme, Viable Cities, inspired the development of the EU's Climate City Contract

These initiatives, amongst other, demonstrate KTH's commitment to sustainability both within and beyond the university, contributing to broader societal efforts to combat climate change.