Carbon footprint – scopes 1, 2 and 3
The carbon footprint is calculated with the GHG Protocol, which classifies emissions (t CO2 eq) into three scopes.
Scope 1 includes direct emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by the organisation. At LUT, this means a fleet of seven corporate cars, which accounts for merely 0.3% of the total carbon footprint.
Scope 2 includes purchased electricity on the Lappeenranta campus and the Kouvola regional unit. This scope is zero because of renewable electricity.
Scope 3 includes indirect emissions related to the university’s activities. This scope also includes electricity (Lahti, Mikkeli) and district heating that are included in the property rent.
Emission sources
LUT's emissions in the scopes 1 and 2 are already very close to zero. So, 99.7% of LUT’s carbon footprint belongs to scope 3.
Major sources of these indirect emissions are staff and student commuting, business travel, and campus food services.
District heating is included in LUT’s property rent. LUT’s Lappeenranta campus has been using certified bio-based district heating since July 2022.
Our climate target
In line with worldwide efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, we are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for net zero by 2050. Our GHG Protocol scope 1 and 2 emissions are already nearly zero, as 99.7 per cent of our emissions fall under scope 3. We strive to reduce our emissions according to our Climate Action Plan.
We focus on environmental handprint
Climate impact assessments have traditionally examined the carbon footprint. At LUT, we also pay attention to the environmental handprint.
