Systematic climate protection: universities in North Rhine-Westphalia record their CO2 emissions together for the first time across the state
The universities in North Rhine-Westphalia are now making successful climate protection measurable. Together with the state government, 14 universities and 16 universities of applied sciences have presented a joint balance sheet for their CO2 emissions for the first time. The balance sheet shows that climate protection efforts in NRW are working: Between 2019 and 2021, emissions from electricity consumption fell by 28 percent thanks to the use of green electricity. In total, the 30 public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia emitted around 441,000 tons of CO2 equivalents in 2021 - about as much as a city with 40,000 inhabitants.
Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur: "With the joint carbon footprint, our universities are making climate protection systematically measurable for the first time - transparently, based on data and through joint action. This will strengthen targeted measures. Efficient universities are a targeted location factor and a key driver for innovation, competitiveness and a future-proof science location in North Rhine-Westphalia."
Science Minister Brandes: "Research is the best climate protection. Our universities are training the researchers of tomorrow who will develop ways in which we can protect the climate even better. At the same time, our universities are already making great efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the data in the assessment report impressively demonstrates. This transparency is the prerequisite for the individual universities to now develop individual measures for greater energy efficiency. This helps the climate and saves money."
Simone Probst, Spokesperson of the Conference of Chancellors of Universities and Markus Hinsenkamp, Spokesperson of the Conference of Chancellors of Universities of Applied Sciences: "This report shows that universities and universities of applied sciences are aware of their social responsibility and are making their contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. The first uniform and standardized GHG balance sheet is also an expression of the high level of commitment at the universities and the good cooperation with the ministries involved. We look forward to continuing to work together on the path to climate neutrality and are ready to take on the challenge of meeting the high demands of a climate-neutral campus."
North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the first federal states in which all universities and universities of applied sciences have jointly drawn up and published annual greenhouse gas balances in accordance with uniform standards.
The joint greenhouse gas balance according to uniform standards is the result of an initiative by the state government. Annual monitoring is planned for the future. The balances for 2022 and 2023 are already in progress.
University of Siegen well positioned in climate protection
The University of Siegen also provided data for the report - it shows that the university is making a measurable contribution to climate protection. The largest share of emissions at the University of Siegen - as at other universities - is attributable to energy consumption in buildings.
The University of Siegen has consistently automated its building technology. The central room booking system is linked to the heating control system. Rooms are heated automatically and according to demand, only when and for as long as they are booked. The result is a highly efficient use of natural gas, which reduces energy consumption to what is actually necessary and thus makes a measurable contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.
To further increase efficiency, the University of Siegen has been relying on combined heat and power generation for years: natural gas is used to generate electricity and heat together at both the main site on Adolf-Reichwein-Straße and the NDC computer center - one of the most efficient technologies available for fossil fuels. Dispensing with heating oil in favor of natural gas further reduces CO₂ emissions. This is complemented by the consistent expansion of photovoltaic systems. The university also relies 100 percent on green electricity.
