Decarbonizing the academic sector: Lessons from an international research project

Research activities generate considerable carbon emissions. Some universities and research centers have implemented voluntary measures to reduce academia's footprint. To contribute the debate on pathways decarbonize academic sector, this work calculates emissions of an international project in relation 1) research-related travel, 2) researchers' non-business travel derived from nature team, 3) commuting, 4) project's digital The then simulates potential reduction under two scenarios discusses alternatives their side-effects. examined emitted estimate 161 tons CO2-eq, which could been largely reduced 92 CO2-eq (or 53% emissions) by applying a standard set already proposed scholars aiming (“Reduced scenario”) or 4 2.4% estimated more strict reach neutrality (“Net-zero scenario”). Most reductions come reducing travel. While indeed save substantial amount emissions, they might also impacted outputs, economic costs, researcher's work-life balance. Although collateral impacts decarbonizing are yet little understood, likely not negligible should be considered decision-oriented context discern acceptable unacceptable rules. article reliance individual action as major bottlenecks that hamper application sector calls for development normative standards scientific practice encourage, value even impose