Decarbonizing the academic sector: Lessons from an international research project

Reyes‐García, Victoria; Graf, Lorena; Junqueira, André Braga; Madrid‐López, Cristina

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133174

Cited by 13 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 33 publications

(68 reference statements)

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“…This contradictory situation is sometimes referred to as the "knowledge-action gap" Kroesen [2013]. Therefore, the normative context set by institutions in which research is conducted should not be neglected Hopkins et al [2016], Reyes-García et al [2022]. For instance, the quest for "scientific visibility" aiming to fit the standards of success as set by policymakers appears to shape practices in favour of more flying Berné et al [2022].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flight quotas outperform focused mitigation strategies in reducing the carbon footprint of academic travel

Ben Ari,

Lefort,

Mariette

et al. 2024

Preprint

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The carbon footprint of academia has become a pressing concern and an emerging research area, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas emissions from research travels. Mitigation strategies often revolve around encouraging virtual communication and adopting more sustainable transportation modes over short distances. However, these approaches are rarely subjected to rigorous quantitative assessments or meaningful comparisons. This study analyzes a unique database of about 130,000 travel segments by car, train and plane in 159 research units across diverse disciplines and locations in France. We investigate the patterns and associated carbon footprint of these research travels and explore a diversity of mitigation options, including existing institutional guidelines. Our analysis shows that air travel overwhelmingly outweighs the carbon footprint of research travel, representing more than 96% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Intercontinental flights are infrequent (less than 10% of all plane trips) but dominate GHG travel emissions, accounting for over 64% of total emissions. In contrast, domestic and continental flights are the most common but their mitigation potential by modal shift to train is limited (e.g., less than 15% for trips under 1,000 km). Similar reductions can be achieved by targeting a small subset of travels, for example by modulating the frequency of conference attendance. The greatest mitigation potential lies in moderating air mileage, for instance by reducing the number of flights. Strategies focusing on electrification or modal shifts for cars are found to have negligible impact. In the absence of low-carbon alternatives for long-haul flights, we contend that only comprehensive strategies and policies aimed at moderating air travel distance or frequency can achieve a significant reduction in the GHG emissions from academic travel.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flight quotas outperform focused mitigation strategies in reducing the carbon footprint of academic travel

Ben Ari,

Lefort,

Mariette

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Several partners modified the protocol to validate the consensual nature of indicators collected in semi-structured interviews through additional interviews to other informants. Given the large carbon impact of our training strategy [ 38 ], we have created a number of written and online training materials, as well as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) about climate change and Indigenous peoples and local communities ( S1 File ). We recommend the use of these online materials to guide and train researchers aiming to use this protocol in the future.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local indicators of climate change impacts described by indigenous peoples and local communities: Study protocol

et al. 2023

Self Cite

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Introduction In the quest to improve the understanding of climate change impacts on elements of the atmospheric, physical, and life systems, scientists are challenged by the scarcity and uneven distribution of grounded data. Through their long history of interaction with the environment, Indigenous Peoples and local communities have developed complex knowledge systems that allow them to detect impacts of climate change in the local environment. The study protocol presented here is designed 1) to inventory climate change impacts on the atmospheric, physical, and life systems based on local knowledge and 2) to test hypotheses on the global spatial, socioeconomic, and demographic distribution of reported impacts. The protocol has been developed within the framework of a project aiming to bring insights from Indigenous and local knowledge systems to climate research (https://licci.eu). Methods Data collection uses a mixed-method approach and relies on the collaboration of a team of 50 trained partners working in sites where people’s livelihood directly depend on nature. The data collection protocol consists of two steps. Step 1 includes the collection of secondary data (e.g., spatial and meteorological data) and site contextual information (e.g., village infrastructure, services). Step 1 also includes the use of 1) semi-structured interviews (n = 20-30/site) to document observations of environmental change and their drivers and 2) focus group discussions to identify consensus in the information gathered. Step 2 consist in the application of a household (n from 75 to 125) and individual survey (n from 125 to 175) using a standardized but locally adapted instrument. The survey includes information on 1) individual and household socio-demographic characteristics, 2) direct dependence on nature, 3) household’s vulnerability, and 4) individual perceptions of climate change impacts. Survey data are entered in a specifically designed database. Expected results This protocol allows the systematic documentation and analysis of the patterned distribution of local indicators of climate change impacts across climate types and livelihood activities. Data collected with this protocol helps fill important gaps on local climate change impacts research and can provide tangible outcomes for local people who will be able to better reflect on how climate change impacts them.

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“…Notably, administrative, personal, and social barriers emerge as equally important contributors to the challenges in decarbonization efforts. In the academic sector, administrative barriers escalate the private costs researchers encounter when attempting to decarbonize their research activities [115]. These results underscore the significance of directing attention and resources toward addressing challenges in research and teaching funding.…”

Section: Barriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Institutional regulations can pose a barrier to decarbonization efforts. These regulations may not prioritize or mandate the integration of sustainable practices into academic activities, creating a challenge for those seeking to implement decarbonization initiatives [115]. The inclusion of institutional regulations acknowledges the logistical complexities that often impede swift changes in pedagogy.…”

Section: Opportunitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Development in Third Level Programs: Distilling a Pathway to a True Net-Zero Education

Al Kez,

Lowans,

Foley

2024

Sustainability

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This study probes the notable gap between the theoretical endorsement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 7, 12, and 13, and their tangible implementation in higher education curricula. We hypothesize that entrenched unsustainable practices in key academic disciplines, such as engineering and business, persist despite the global shift towards sustainability. The study engages a diverse cohort of participants from academia, public, private, and nonprofit sectors, chosen for their distinct roles and insights in integrating SDGs into educational and industrial frameworks. Our research design integrates an extensive qualitative literature review and critical analyses with quantitative surveys using specially designed instruments. The study was conducted with a sample of 48 participants, representing various sectors, using specially designed survey instruments to gauge expert opinions on the barriers and opportunities in advancing sustainable education. Our findings identify economic and administrative hurdles as primary impediments to academia’s shift towards sustainability. The data underscore the urgent need for targeted strategies in transitioning to a net-zero educational paradigm. The study concludes with a call to reshape academic initiatives, highlighting the critical role of education in preparing future leaders. It emphasizes bridging the gap between theoretical support for SDGs and their practical application in academia, proposing actionable strategies for this alignment.

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Decarbonizing the academic sector: Lessons from an international research project

Cited by 13 publications

References 33 publications

Flight quotas outperform focused mitigation strategies in reducing the carbon footprint of academic travel

Flight quotas outperform focused mitigation strategies in reducing the carbon footprint of academic travel

Local indicators of climate change impacts described by indigenous peoples and local communities: Study protocol

Sustainable Development in Third Level Programs: Distilling a Pathway to a True Net-Zero Education

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