On the Path to Carbon Neutrality

Responsible energy management plays a key role in sustainable development as it touches upon a wide range of areas. From an environmental perspective, transitioning to sustainable energy sources significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. From a social and economic standpoint, it ensures independence from fossil fuels and geopolitical factors, ultimately supporting energy security and reducing so-called energy poverty.

In line with the definition of sustainable development, sustainable energy meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

For this reason, Charles University has committed to responsible energy management and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The first steps include mapping out the current energy management system, compiling a comprehensive report on energy audits across the university, and assessing the situation with recommendations for future actions.

To track greenhouse gas emissions, the university is calculating its carbon footprint for 2022 at the levels of Scope 1 and Scope 2 (expressed in CO2 equivalents). The calculation of indirect Scope 3 emissions will follow, although defining and monitoring this component is more complex.

Through these efforts, Charles University is working towards carbon neutrality and aims to be a model of best practices on the journey to a sustainable future.