Columbia University in the City of New York Sustainability Profile
Columbia University in the City of New York, often referred to simply as Columbia, is a prestigious Ivy League institution headquartered in New York City, USA. Founded in 1754, it has established itself as a leader in higher education, renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and distinguished faculty. Columbia operates primarily in the education sector, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines, including the humanities, sciences, and professional fields. Its unique core curriculum fosters critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning, setting it apart from other institutions. With a strong market position, Columbia consistently ranks among the top universities globally, celebrated for its research contributions and notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates. The university's commitment to innovation and excellence continues to shape the landscape of higher education.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Columbia University in the City of New York'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
Columbia University in the City of New York's score of 34 is higher than 63% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Columbia University in the City of New York's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, Columbia University in the City of New York reported total carbon emissions of approximately 94.3 million kg CO2e. This figure includes 92.2 million kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, which primarily arise from direct fuel combustion, and about 2.1 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, associated with purchased electricity. Notably, the university has not disclosed any Scope 3 emissions data. Columbia University has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2017 baseline by 2020. This target applies to both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, reflecting the institution's dedication to sustainability and climate action. The university's long-term goal includes achieving near-zero emissions by 2050, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing climate change. Overall, Columbia University is actively working towards significant emissions reductions and has established clear targets to guide its sustainability efforts.
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| 2017 | 2018 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | 000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | - | 00,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | 00,000 | - | - | - | - |
How Carbon Intensive is Columbia University in the City of New York's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Columbia University in the City of New York's Location?
Columbia University in the City of New York's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Their carbon footprint includes suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 14% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" representing nearly all of their reported Scope 3 footprint.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Columbia University in the City of New York'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.
Columbia University in the City of New York 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.
