Behind the Numbers: How Maastricht University is Tackling Its Carbon Footprint
To reach climate-neutral operations by 2035, Maastricht University is taking a deep dive into its carbon emissions — from energy use and mobility to procurement and waste. Scopes 1 and 2 are already well-tracked, but Scope 3 remains the biggest challenge, representing most of UM’s carbon footprint. Read more here.
In this interview, Shweta Singh from UM’s sustainability team shares how her work on the university’s first full carbon emissions assessment is helping turn data into action and paving the way toward a more sustainable campus.
Could you briefly explain your role in the carbon emissions assessment project at Maastricht University?
My role in this project is to conduct the life cycle assessment of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions. I focus on identifying and quantifying emissions across different scopes, including energy use, mobility, procurement, waste etc. My work provides a comprehensive understanding of the university’s carbon footprint and supports the development of effective strategies to reduce emissions and achieve long-term sustainability goals.
How does the team collect and calculate data for the different emission scopes (Scope 1, 2, and 3)?
Our team collects and calculates data for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions through a comprehensive and systematic approach. For Scope 1, we focus on all direct emission sources under the university’s operational control. This includes natural gas consumption for heating, fuel use from university-owned vehicles, and refrigerant leakage from cooling and air conditioning systems. For Scope 2, we collect detailed records on purchased electricity and district heating. We collect annual consumption data and supporting documentation, including energy certificates and green energy purchase records, to ensure the sourcing profile is accurately represented in our assessment.
Scope 3 covers all indirect emissions in the value chain and is the most complex part of the assessment. Here, we compile data from multiple streams: procurement and financial systems for goods and services, mobility records for business travel and commuting, data from waste management operations etc. We also collaborate closely with departments, suppliers, and service providers to fill data gaps and ensure completeness and consistency.
What are the main challenges you face when estimating Scope 3 emissions, and how is UM addressing them?
One of the biggest challenges in estimating Scope 3 emissions at Maastricht University is the complexity and diversity of data sources. Unlike Scope 1 and 2, Scope 3 involves a wide range of indirect activities that are often outside the university’s direct control. This makes data collection and quality assurance much more difficult. Procurement data, for example, may not always include the level of detail required for an accurate life cycle assessment, and commuting patterns can vary significantly from year to year. Another challenge is data consistency, since information often comes from different systems, formats, and external partners.
Additionally, dealing with data gaps and uncertainties is inevitable, especially for upstream and downstream activities.
To address these challenges, the university is taking a structured and iterative approach. We are improving data collection systems to make them more standardized and transparent, encouraging better reporting from suppliers and service providers.
How will the results of this work help guide UM’s future sustainability decisions or projects?
The main goal of this work is not just to measure emissions, but to actually provide a clear direction for action. By doing a full life cycle assessment across Scope 1, 2, and 3, we’re able to see exactly where the major emission hotspots are. That means the university can focus its efforts where it will have the biggest impact, for example, whether that’s in energy use, procurement, mobility, or other areas. Another important part is that the results give us a solid baseline. This is crucial for setting realistic and science-based targets and for tracking progress over time. It basically creates a framework that helps the university move from ambition to measurable action.
It also supports strategic decision-making, for instance, if a big share of emissions is linked to procurement, UM can rethink its purchasing policies or supplier engagement strategies. If energy use is a key contributor, more investment can go into renewable energy or efficiency measures.
In short, the results don’t just sit in a report. They actually inform policy, shape priorities, and help drive UM’s long-term sustainability pathway.
What message would you share with students and staff to encourage their engagement in reducing UM’s carbon footprint?
My message would be that everyone’s actions really matter. A significant part of the university’s emissions comes from everyday activities like commuting, energy use, and purchasing. These are the things we all can influence. Even small steps, like choosing more sustainable mobility options, being mindful of energy, or reducing waste, add up when the whole community gets involved.
This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about building a shared sustainability culture. When students and staff engage, they help drive real change. So every contribution counts, and together we can make a meaningful impact.