The University of Alberta, often referred to as U of A, is a prestigious institution located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908, it has established itself as a leader in higher education, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines. The university is renowned for its research initiatives, particularly in fields such as health sciences, engineering, and environmental studies. With a commitment to innovation and community engagement, the University of Alberta serves a broad operational region, attracting students from across Canada and around the globe. Its unique blend of academic excellence and vibrant campus life positions it as a top choice for aspiring scholars. Notable achievements include consistently ranking among the top universities in Canada and being a member of the prestigious U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, underscoring its significant impact in the academic landscape.
How does University of Alberta'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.
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.
University of Alberta's score of 29 is higher than 58% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2021, the University of Alberta reported total carbon emissions of approximately 301,793,200 kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 172,012,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of around 117,035,600 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of approximately 12,745,600 kg CO2e. This data reflects a significant increase from 2005, when total emissions were about 247,711,470 kg CO2e, indicating a need for enhanced climate action. The University has not disclosed specific reduction targets or initiatives, nor does it appear to have cascaded data from any parent organization. The absence of defined climate pledges or SBTi targets suggests that the institution may be in the early stages of formalising its climate commitments. The emissions intensity per person was reported as approximately 4,910 kg CO2e in 2022, highlighting the university's ongoing efforts to monitor and manage its carbon footprint. As the University of Alberta continues to assess its environmental impact, further commitments and strategies may be developed to address its carbon emissions effectively.
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.
University of Alberta 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.

