University emits less CO2 on campus

Erasmus University emitted more than 5 per cent less CO2 in 2025 than the year before. However, the university’s overall carbon footprint appears to have increased, because student commutes have been included in the calculations for the first time.

In its Impact and Sustainability Report, the university describes the renovation of the Tinbergen Building as one of the most sustainable building renovations in the Netherlands. The university also generates 27 per cent less waste on campus and emits 5 per cent less CO2.

To calculate its carbon footprint, the university uses the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This distinguishes between three categories of emissions: direct emissions, for example from gas heating in university buildings; indirect emissions from purchased energy, such as electricity; and other indirect emissions from activities over which the university has no direct control, such as purchased goods and services, commuting and business travel.

The reduction in CO2 emissions means that the campus has become more sustainable. Direct emissions, measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalent, fell from 83 tonnes in 2024 to 58 tonnes in 2025. Indirect emissions from purchased energy also fell by 254 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Higher carbon footprint

However, the university’s overall carbon footprint appears to have increased compared with 2024. Emissions in the third category have caused total greenhouse gas emissions to rise by 5 per cent. This is because commuting is being calculated differently this year.

Emissions from commuting increased from 1,374 tonnes in 2024 to 4,989 tonnes in 2025, because the university has included student travel for the first time. By contrast, emissions from staff commuting fell by 15 per cent.

Fossil fuel industry

The university is also seeking to reduce its carbon footprint by adopting stricter policies on partnerships with the fossil fuel industry. All departments, including student associations, must meet a ‘moral minimum’ to collaborate with external partners: potential partners must demonstrate that their activities align with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and must not actively undermine climate policy.

Partnerships and AI

In its Impact and Sustainability Report, the university presents its results for 2025 in the areas of sustainability and social engagement. It also addresses developments in areas including sensitive partnerships and artificial intelligence.

Following advice from the Advisory Committee on Sensitive Partnerships, the Executive Board has frozen institutional partnerships and exchange programmes with Bar-Ilan University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Haifa. This decision was made because of the risk of indirect involvement in human rights violations.

In the field of AI, EUR is working on various initiatives to promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The university has also launched a research project with, among others, RTL Nieuws, Mediahuis and Open Rotterdam to investigate how responsible AI applications in newsrooms can strengthen public trust.