On the Path to Carbon Neutrality

Responsible energy management plays a key role in sustainable development, as it affects the entire spectrum of the field. From an environmental perspective, it is a component whose transition to sustainable sources means a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. From a social and economic perspective, it ensures energy independence from fossil fuels and geopolitical circumstances, which ultimately supports energy security and reduces so-called energy poverty.

In line with the general definition of sustainable development, sustainable energy meets present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

For this reason, Charles University has committed itself to responsible energy management and to the gradual achievement of carbon neutrality no later than 2050.

The first stage of this long-term goal began with a pilot mapping of Charles University’s emissions and a preliminary calculation of its 2022 carbon footprint within Scope 1 and Scope 2, that is, direct emissions from internal processes and indirect emissions associated with energy consumption.

At the same time, during 2025, a university-wide energy audit was carried out by an external auditing firm, providing a comprehensive picture of actual energy consumption as well as further opportunities and future prospects. The university emits 57 602 tCO₂ per year. Concurrently, a plan was also launched to introduce digitalized energy management in selected university buildings.

In addition, at the beginning of 2025, Charles University’s Dormitories and Refectories submitted an application to the New ELENA programme of the National Development Bank to support the preparation and implementation of EPC projects, and based on an initial analysis, five of the seven submitted buildings were selected for implementation.

On the basis of the above-mentioned measures, Charles University seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and to serve as an example of good practice on the path toward a sustainable future.

The preparation of the Energy Audit and the Energy Management Implementation Plan was supported in 2024 and 2025 by NPO 7.4 Green Skills and Support for Sustainability at Higher Education Institutions (“Green Skills at CU”, website available only in Czech).