Abatement measures

Based on analyses of the university’s sources of emissions, which are documented in the annual carbon footprint, suitable abatement measures are developed for the purpose of reducing the University of Bern’s greenhouse gas emissions. The abatement measures relate to different areas of the University of Bern and extend from operational measures, such as the expansion of photovoltaic plants, to measures aimed at raising awareness among students and staff. Carbon footprints are also used not only for identifying avoidance and abatement potential but also for continuously checking the effectiveness of measures already initiated, developing further abatement measures and optimizing existing measures.

First measure: Traffic light system for university business trips

The emissions from air travel are considerable at research-intensive universities, such as the University of Bern. They account for a substantial portion of total emissions, making them a central starting point for the University of Bern to reach its goal of becoming climate neutral. To that end, the first measure to be initiated in 2020 was a «traffic light system for university business trips», which defines the destinations where train travel takes priority over air travel. The University of Bern also has a leaflet entitled «Traveling sustainably» that contains recommendations on how employees of the University of Bern can make their travel more sustainable and reduce their emissions.

Further abatement measures are currently being planned and will be posted here in due course.