Northwestern University Sustainability Profile
Northwestern University, a prestigious private research institution, is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in Chicago and Doha, Qatar. Founded in 1851, it has established itself as a leader in higher education, particularly in the fields of journalism, law, and business. Renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, Northwestern offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, emphasising innovation and research. The university is distinguished by its commitment to experiential learning, fostering a unique environment that encourages collaboration across various disciplines. With a strong market position, Northwestern consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States, celebrated for its academic excellence and notable alumni. Its dedication to advancing knowledge and societal impact solidifies its reputation as a premier institution in the global education landscape.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Northwestern 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
Northwestern University's score of 33 is higher than 62% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Northwestern University's reported carbon emissions
In 2022, Northwestern University reported total carbon emissions of approximately 179.8 million kg CO2e, encompassing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. This figure reflects a commitment to sustainability and climate action, with the university aiming for a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, using 2012 as the baseline year. Additionally, Northwestern has set a long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The university's emissions data shows a trend of increasing efficiency, with emissions recorded at approximately 175.7 million kg CO2e in 2021 and about 163.2 million kg CO2e in 2020. These figures indicate a proactive approach to managing and reducing carbon footprints over recent years. Northwestern's climate commitments are significant within the context of higher education institutions, positioning it as a leader in sustainability initiatives. The university's targets are not cascaded from any parent organisation, reflecting its independent commitment to addressing climate change.
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| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Scope 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
How Carbon Intensive is Northwestern University's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Northwestern University's Location?
Northwestern 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.
Northwestern 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.
