Organisation
At an organisational level, the management of greenhouse gas emissions and the coordination of sustainability efforts are particularly important. Comprehensive greenhouse gas management is necessary to achieve the goal of Net Zero. The ongoing review and any necessary adjustments to the University of Lucerne's sustainability efforts ensure that it stays on course and drives sustainable development forward.
Net Zero
As part of the global “Race to Zero” campaign, the University of Lucerne has committed to halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
Net zero refers to a state in which greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities are completely offset by their removal from the atmosphere. An institution with net zero emissions avoids and reduces its greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offsets the remaining, unavoidable emissions through negative emissions (e.g. through technologies for removing and permanently storing greenhouse gases).
The University of Lucerne's net zero ambition refers to greenhouse gas emissions in all three scopes (Scopes 1 to 3). For the time being (as at August 2025), the Scope 3 emissions recorded are greenhouse gas emissions caused by air travel, the canteen, waste and printer/copier paper, as well as fuel- and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Other relevant indirect emission sources from Scope 3 will be added as soon as the relevant data is available.
The potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Scope 1 and 2 of the main building is estimated to be low. Many technical measures in this regard have already been implemented. A large reduction potential is to be expected in Scope 3 in particular.
Net zero by 2040 is to be achieved largely through measures to avoid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 3. The interim target of halving total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 involves reducing Scope 3 emissions by at least 50 % (compared to the reference year 2023).
If possible, further reductions in Scope 3 emissions are to be achieved between 2030 and 2040. The emissions level of Scope 1 and 2 should be maintained at the level of the base year 2023 until 2040, or at best decrease slightly. Unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 to 3) will be neutralized from 2040 via negative emissions, in order to achieve the net-zero target. Specific measures to neutralize unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions will be developed at a later date (by 2038 at the latest).
