DCU Sustainability Profile
Dublin City University (DCU), located in Ireland, is a prominent institution in the higher education sector, renowned for its innovative approach to teaching and research. Founded in 1975, DCU has rapidly evolved, achieving university status in 1989 and establishing itself as a leader in areas such as technology, business, and health sciences. With a strong emphasis on research and development, DCU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, distinguished by their practical application and industry relevance. The university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and collaboration has positioned it as a key player in the educational landscape, attracting students and partnerships from around the globe. DCU's strategic initiatives and notable achievements, including its recognition as a top university for graduate employability, underscore its dedication to academic excellence and societal impact.
DitchCarbon Score
How does DCU'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
DCU's score of 36 is higher than 65% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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DCU's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Dublin City University (DCU) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 80,342,000 kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 4,838,000 kg CO2e, primarily from stationary combustion, and Scope 2 emissions of approximately 4,735,000 kg CO2e, all from purchased electricity. The most significant contributor to DCU's carbon footprint is Scope 3 emissions, which total around 70,768,000 kg CO2e, with major sources being purchased goods and services (approximately 41,822,000 kg CO2e) and employee commuting (about 15,131,000 kg CO2e). Comparatively, in 2023, DCU's total emissions were about 67,457,000 kg CO2e, indicating an increase in emissions year-on-year. The breakdown for 2023 shows Scope 1 emissions at approximately 4,111,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at about 4,834,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at around 58,512,000 kg CO2e. DCU has not set specific reduction targets under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) nor has it made any formal climate pledges. The university's emissions data is not cascaded from a parent organization, indicating that all reported figures are independently sourced from DCU's own assessments. Overall, DCU's commitment to addressing its carbon emissions is evident, but the lack of defined reduction targets suggests an area for potential improvement in its climate strategy.
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| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 5,685,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 9,491,870 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 12,431,290 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 00,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is DCU's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is DCU's Location?
DCU's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
DCU's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 469% last year and increased by approximately 469% since 2017, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 59% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
DCU'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.
DCU 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.
