7.2.3

Carbon and Emission Reduction Policy

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes its responsibility to act decisively on climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions arising from its operations. This policy establishes the framework for achieving substantial carbon and emission reductions, contributing to national, European, and global climate neutrality targets.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Establish a systematic approach to reducing carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all university operations
Integrate low-carbon principles into decision-making, procurement, infrastructure, and research
Promote behavioral change among students and staff toward sustainable practices
Align with European and national climate goals and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainability within higher education

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is consistent with:

Law 4957/2022, Articles 87–88 (University sustainability obligations);
Law 4342/2015 (Energy Efficiency Directive implementation);
Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law – net-zero by 2050);
National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
Paris Agreement (2015);
Τhe University of Thessaly Sustainability Strategy 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All campuses, departments, and facilities of the University of Thessaly;
All activities, services, and procurement processes with measurable emissions impact;
All students, academic staff, and administrative personnel contributing to campus operations.

Policy Statement

The University commits to:

Carbon Footprint Measurement: The University will measure, record, and publish its institutional carbon footprint annually, covering: Direct emissions (Scope 1): from university-owned buildings, vehicles, and equipment; Indirect emissions (Scope 2): from purchased electricity and district heating; Other indirect emissions (Scope 3): from commuting, waste management, procurement, and travel.
Emission Reduction Targets: The University of Thessaly commits to a 50% reduction in total GHG emissions by 2035, compared to a 2023 baseline. The University will pursue climate neutrality by 2050, consistent with EU targets. These targets will be reviewed every five years to reflect national policy updates and technological progress.
Low-Carbon Infrastructure: All new buildings and major renovations will comply with Energy Class A standards. Existing buildings will undergo progressive energy upgrades to improve insulation, lighting, and HVAC efficiency. Renewable energy systems (solar, geothermal, hybrid) will be integrated across campuses where feasible.
Sustainable Transport and Mobility: The University will reduce emissions from transport by: Promoting cycling, public transport, and carpooling among students and staff; Transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric or hybrid models; Installing EV charging stations in campus parking areas.
Sustainable Procurement and Operations: All procurement activities will consider carbon intensity and life-cycle emissions. Preference will be given to suppliers with low-carbon practices or certifications (e.g., ISO 14064, ISO 50001). The University will minimize emissions from printing, catering, and waste management.
Behavioral Change and Engagement: Awareness campaigns and training programs will be implemented to encourage low-carbon lifestyles on campus. Students and staff will be invited to participate in climate action projects and sustainability research. The University will establish an annual “Carbon Awareness Week” to showcase best practices and innovations.
Research, Innovation, and Education: Academic departments will integrate climate mitigation and sustainability content into curricula. Research on carbon reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable engineering will be prioritized and supported. Interdisciplinary collaborations will be encouraged through university-funded sustainability grants.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Transparency: The Office of Environmental Sustainability will publish an annual Emission Reduction Report, including: Yearly carbon inventory results, Progress toward emission reduction targets, Key actions and future priorities. All data will be publicly accessible through the University’s Sustainability Portal (sustainability.uth.gr).

Governance

A dedicated steering committee (SC) shall oversee the implementation of this policy. The Committee shall include the Vice-Rector of innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance as well as representatives from:

Technical Services Department;
Departments of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Planning and Regional Development.

The committee will oversee the implementation of this policy, approve divestment schedules, and ensure ongoing compliance.

The committee shall report annually to the University Council on divestment progress, ethical investment performance, and future recommendations.

An external Advisory Board may be established to provide independent expertise and guidance on ethical and sustainable investment practices. Responsibilities include:

Advising the SC on market trends and risk management;
Reviewing the University’s investment strategy for alignment with global sustainability best practices;
Offering guidance on advocacy and stakeholder engagement initiatives;
Supporting transparency and credibility of reporting to the University Council, donors, and the public.

Advocacy

UTh recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond managing its own investments. As a leader in higher education, UTh will actively advocate for sustainable finance, renewable energy, and ethical investment practices, contributing to broader societal and global efforts to combat climate change and advance sustainability.

Purpose of Advocacy

Promote awareness and adoption of climate action and sustainable finance principles within the academic sector and the wider community;
Reinforce the University’s leadership role in ethical investment and responsible institutional governance.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with national and international networks, including higher education consortia, UN PRI initiatives, and sustainability-focused organizations;
Engage with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to raise awareness and encourage active participation in sustainability initiatives;
Partner with local communities and government agencies to support policies, projects, and research that advance renewable energy and climate action.

Public Positioning

Make public statements endorsing divestment, ethical investment, and clean energy transitions;
Advocate for policy changes at local, national, or international levels that promote sustainability and climate responsibility;
Participate in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives related to sustainable finance, renewable energy, and climate policy.

Internal Advocacy

Integrate advocacy into university curricula, research agendas, and outreach programs;
Encourage faculty and student research on climate solutions, renewable energy, and sustainable investment;
Provide training, workshops, or seminars for staff and decision-makers on ethical investment practices;
Participate in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives related to sustainable finance, renewable energy, and climate policy.

Transparency and Reporting

The University will publish an Annual Sustainable Investment Report outlining divestment progress, investment portfolio composition, and the outcomes of this policy, including:

Current investment portfolio composition;
Percentage of funds divested from fossil fuels;
Allocation of reinvested sustainable assets;
Verification of compliance with the EU Sustainable Finance framework.

The report will be made publicly available via the University’s website.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier, to incorporate new scientific knowledge, regulatory updates, and emission reporting standards.