Netzero and emission reduction report

Carbon Emission at the University of Tunis El Manar 2016-2023

Towards a Net Zero Target

At UTM, our dedication to sustainability is demonstrated by our ongoing efforts to monitor and publicly disclose Scope 1+2 emissions since 2016, and Scope 3 emissions since 2010, in line with the data provided by the Tunisian government (for Scope 3). Through the implementation of significant measures to reduce Scope 1+2 emissions and our proactive reporting on Scope 3 emissions, our Net Zero Carbon Roadmap focuses on areas we can directly control, making measurement easier while addressing the full impact of our carbon footprint.

For a detailed look at our emission reduction efforts, please refer to our full report here: Emission Reduction Report.

We are grateful for the invaluable support of the MedEcoSure project MedEcoSure Project, funded by the European Commission, which enables us to consistently report on Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This support allows us to make comprehensive efforts toward managing our carbon footprint, identify opportunities for improvement, and allocate resources effectively to impactful carbon reduction measures.

In alignment with the Tunisian government’s objectives, our University Board has set strategic monitoring indicators to reach Carbon Net Zero. The timelines set for these targets are Scope 1 by 2026, Scope 2 by 2036, and Scope 3 by 2050. As part of our Net Zero roadmap, we re-baselined the University’s total carbon emissions in 2016, considering Scopes 1, 2, and 3. We aim for a 29% reduction from this new baseline over seven years, with an initial target of a 6% annual reduction prior to the pandemic. Due to the pandemic, this target has been recalibrated to a reduction range of 10-25%.

Fiscal Year20162017201820192020202120222023
Scope 1 Emissions        
Stationary Combustion10 133,69 675,69 396,68 490,11 481,93 772,66 853,77 099,8
Combustion (Vehicules)12 841,920 130,55 576,34 752,11 376,31 451,84 307,41 179,8
Total Scope 1 Emissions MTCO2e2 297,62 980,61 497,31 324,2285,8522,41 116,1828,0
         
Scope 2 Emissions        
Purchased Electricity2 030,62 004,81 962,51 167,0513,21 051,3748,9746,2
Purchased Heating60 000,050 000,050 000,045 000,020 000,020 000,030 000,030 000,0
Purchased Cooling       0,0
Purchased Steam       0,0
Total Scope 2 Emissions MTCO2e9 304,67 800,77 794,46 925,03 077,03 157,74 612,34 611,9
         
Scope 3 Emissions        
Commuting27 484,721 394,023 006,435 857,018 321,918 967,438 001,530 685,6
Air Travel/Other Travel67 829,167 829,167 829,167 829,127 131,633 914,545 219,441 424,7
Solid Waste30 100,830 900,030 700,430 700,413 780,516 800,018 800,018 800,0
Wastewater17,03,416,512,68,110,412,289,2
Total Scope 3 Emissions MTCO2e25 086,324 025,324 310,526 879,811 848,413 938,520 406,618 199,9

The pandemic has been a learning experience for us, driving the implementation of several best practices. These include remote working, optimizing university closures during holidays, enhancing green spaces, and collaborating with civil society organizations to implement ecological construction measures. These adaptive strategies have brought us closer to achieving our Carbon Net Zero goal. More information is available here: Sustainable Development at UTM.

Engaging the entire University community is crucial to meeting our ambitious goals. To this end, we have established a new governance framework, contingent upon the successful execution of the UTM PAQ GAGE project. This initiative involves the creation and publication of policies and action plans, building on the visionary University Green Campus and Open Leisure Space designed by Prof. Noaman Rebai University Green Campus in collaboration with GDA Sidi Amor GDA Sidi Amor.

Equipping our community with essential carbon knowledge and forming dedicated Work Streams is essential to developing and implementing targeted carbon reduction plans. Our team includes staff ambassadors from both academic and professional services sectors at UTM Staff Ambassadors. We also highly value student involvement, supported by our sustainability society and clubs, such as Enactus and the Google Development Clubs, whose active participation amplifies the impact of our carbon reduction initiatives Student Engagement.

Table 1 presents a breakdown of UTM’s carbon footprint by scope, allowing us to focus on specific areas for reduction. Our proposed four Work Streams—Energy & Water, Travel & Transportation, Commuting, and Waste—are aligned with milestone targets for 2026, 2036, and 2050. Considering the impact of pandemic-related measures on emissions in 2020 and 2021, we remain flexible in adapting our strategies.

We take responsibility for continuous progress and are committed to regularly updating plans in our respective areas to meet our targets. Resource assessments prioritize projects like solar energy and wind turbines that promise significant carbon savings. The Action Plan, developed by Prof. Noaman Rebai in 2021 Action Plan, outlines the predicted and targeted savings, investments, and policies.

Fiscal Year20162017201820192020202120222023
Stationary Combustion10 1349 6769 3978 4901 4823 7736 8546 854
Mobile Combustion12 84220 1305 5764 7521 3761 4524 3074 307
Purchased Electricity2 0312 0051 9621 1675131 051748,8543746,2
Commuting27 48521 39423 00635 85718 32218 96738 00138 001
Air Travel67 82967 82967 82967 82927 13233 91545 21941 425
         
        
Scope 1 Emissions2 2982 9811 4971 3242865221 1161 713
Scope 2 Emissions9 3057 8017 7946 9253 0773 1584 6124 612
Scope 3 Emissions25 08624 02524 31026 88011 84813 93820 40718 200
Total36 68834 80733 60235 12915 21117 61926 13524 525
Scope 1 %6%9%4%4%2%3%4%7%
Scope 2 %25%22%23%20%20%18%18%19%
Scope 3 %68%69%72%77%78%79%78%74%
Total Emissions36 68834 80733 60235 12915 21117 61926 13524525
Scope 1,2 Emissions11 60210 7819 2928 2493 3633 6805 7286 325
Energy from Renewable (KWh)54583,748501,95275431369,213794,6565202013020060
Energy Total Consumption scope 1,2,313,648439312,948377612,500307213,06833535,658716036,554274579,722474848,594926688
Energy Total Consumption scope 1,231 187 77728 981 35324 976 98722 174 8899 039 5609 892 58415 398 65217 001 856

Guided by our Sustainability Committee, action plans are aligned with the university’s broader vision and other strategic initiatives such as EcoCampus. We work closely with the university’s investment program to ensure the continuous development and enhancement of our sustainability efforts, while regularly reporting on progress towards Carbon Net Zero to the University Governing Team.

As active members or partners in international sustainability networks, we reaffirm our commitment to global environmental efforts, contributing positively to both the planet and society.

In conclusion, this document outlines UTM’s comprehensive Net Zero Carbon 2040-50 Roadmap, including the long-term management of Scope 3 emissions. Our specific targets for Scope 1 (2016-2026) and Scope 2 (2016-2038) reflect our commitment to reducing environmental impact and extending sustainable practices across all stakeholders, demonstrating our responsibility toward the environment and the broader community.

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