Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University's reported carbon emissions

Simon Fraser University (SFU), an educational institution based in Canada, has outlined several ambitious climate commitments and has been reporting its carbon emissions. For 2024, SFU reported total emissions of approximately 25.7 million kg CO2e. In 2023, total emissions were approximately 10.4 million kg CO2e, and in 2022, they were approximately 9.2 million kg CO2e. Emissions data for earlier years includes approximately 9.4 million kg CO2e in 2021, 12.5 million kg CO2e in 2020, and 14.7 million kg CO2e in both 2019 and 2018. Emissions in 2016 stood at approximately 14.8 million kg CO2e, with 14.3 million kg CO2e reported for 2015, 15.7 million kg CO2e for 2014, and 19.3 million kg CO2e in 2007. It is important to note that specific scope breakdowns (Scope 1, 2, and 3) are often missing from the provided data, with only total emissions being consistently reported. SFU has established significant targets to address its carbon footprint. The university aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, supported by a comprehensive decarbonisation plan that identifies key reduction areas and assigns departmental responsibilities. More immediately, SFU is committed to reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2, and limited Scope 3) by 50% from 2007 levels by 2025. An even more aggressive net-zero target for direct emissions is set for 2035, with SFU collaborating with engineers to identify building-specific improvement opportunities. Previous initiatives included a 5-year Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) with a goal to reduce operational emissions by 50% by 2025. SFU has also reported progress towards a provincial target of reducing GHG emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 2007 levels. Historical targets included reducing energy consumption at the Burnaby Campus by 16% from 2012/13 and displacing 80% of fossil-based energy to renewables by 2020/21. SFU achieved an interim goal of an 18% reduction below 2007 emission levels by 2016, with actual reductions of almost 23% compared to the 2007 baseline.