Boston University Sustainability Profile
Boston University (BU), a prestigious private research university, is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Founded in 1839, BU has evolved into a leading institution in higher education, renowned for its diverse academic offerings and commitment to research excellence. The university operates primarily in the New England region, with a global reach through various international programmes. BU is distinguished by its comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programmes across multiple disciplines, including business, law, medicine, and the arts. Its unique blend of rigorous academics and vibrant campus life positions it as a top choice for students worldwide. Notable achievements include its significant contributions to research and innovation, consistently ranking among the top universities in the United States. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, Boston University continues to shape the future of education and research.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Boston University's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Education Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
Boston University's score of 26 is lower than 51% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Boston University's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, Boston University reported total carbon emissions of approximately 57,600,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 and 2 sources, alongside 1,500,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions related to waste generated in operations. This marks a significant reduction from 2020, when the university's Scope 1 and 2 emissions were about 99,155,000 kg CO2e. Historically, in 2016, Boston University's total emissions were recorded at 124,700,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 51,400,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at 78,100,000 kg CO2e. The data indicates a downward trend in emissions over the years, reflecting the university's commitment to sustainability. Despite these reductions, there are currently no specific reduction targets or climate pledges reported by Boston University. The university's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organization, indicating that it operates independently in its climate reporting and initiatives. Overall, Boston University is actively working towards reducing its carbon footprint, with a focus on managing its operational waste and energy use, although further commitments and targets would enhance its climate action strategy.
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| 2006 | 2020 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | - | - |
| Scope 2 | - | - | - |
| Scope 3 | 5,100,000 | - | 0,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Boston University's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Boston University's Location?
Boston University's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Boston University's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 71% last year and decreased by approximately 71% since 2006, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Their carbon footprint includes supplier sustainability and value chain emissions data across Scope 3 categories, with "Waste Generated in Operations" representing nearly all of their reported Scope 3 footprint.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Boston University's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Boston University has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
