Measuring UM’s Impact: Emission Accounting and Material Flow Analysis
The UM Sustainability Roadmap 2030 outlines the ambitious goals we aim to achieve. But to chart a path toward these goals, we first need to understand where we currently stand. That’s why one of the first priorities of the Sustainability Office is to collect and analyse data on UM’s current sustainability performance. In 2025, we started to collect data on several sustainability aspects as a first step in taking sustainable action towards our ambitions.
The results will guide us to focus on projects that contribute most to sustainability at the UM, and to take well-informed decisions about actions to take. Furthermore, because the measurements will be conducted yearly, we can measure the effects of sustainability measures taken. The first version of the data collection framework (what kind of data will be collected and how) should be ready by the end of 2025, after which it will be refined continuously. We will inform the UM community about our progress.
Carbon emission calculations
To reach climate-neutral operations by 2035, we must assess our current carbon emissions across different scopes and categories. Wherever possible, we collect data based on actual activities. When this isn’t feasible, we use spend-based estimates, with the goal of refining them into activity-based data over time.
We calculate emissions across the following scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by UM, such as university-owned vehicles, fuel combustion in boilers, and refrigerant leaks from air conditioning systems.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy, including electricity and gas consumption.
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions from UM’s value chain, which are not directly controlled by the UM but represent the largest share of our total emissions. These include emissions from business travel, employee commuting, purchased goods and services, and waste.
Scopes 1 and 2 have already been calculated with a high degree of reliability. However, Scope 3 remains a challenge due to data gaps. Since these emissions make up the majority of UM’s carbon footprint, we are actively working to improve data collection and analysis in this area. This will enable more informed decision-making and targeted action.
We expect to complete the first full carbon emissions assessment by March 2026, after which we will update and refine the calculations annually.
Material Flow Analysis
In addition to climate neutrality, circularity is a key ambition of the UM. Achieving a circular campus requires insight into our material footprint—how much material we use, and how much is reused or recycled.
To support this, we are planning to conduct a Material Flow Analysis (MFA) of the materials used within the UM. This analysis will help identify opportunities to reduce the use of virgin materials, minimize waste, and promote reuse and recycling. In a truly circular economy, waste is not discarded but seen as a valuable resource.
The insights from the MFA will guide UM’s transition toward a more circular and sustainable campus.