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<p>Though higher education institutions (HEIs) are vital to advancing carbon neutrality, few comprehensive assessments of their carbon footprints (CFs) are available. In line with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, this study evaluates the CF of a prominent HEI in southern India. A hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmentally extended input-output analysis (EEIOA) methodology was employed to quantify Scopes 1-3 emissions, encompassing direct energy use, purchased electricity, commuting, food services, and information technology (IT) procurement. Carbon offsets for Scope 4 were estimated using tree-sequestration rates. The results of this study revealed that CF in 2024 was 2.52 t CO₂ eq./capita, with electricity, food services, and IT equipment as the primary contributors. Campus greenery offsets 1.53% of the campus’s emissions, underscoring its potential for mitigating climate change. The institute’s reliance on a coal-dependent grid presents a challenge for reducing emissions associated with energy usage. The study demonstrates the efficacy of hybrid methodologies (LCA-EEIOA) in capturing institutional emissions and advocates for well-planned strategies to improve energy efficiency, promote sustainable procurement, and expand green infrastructure.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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LCA and EEIOA-based approach for carbon footprint assessment of a higher educational institution in Southern India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月2日

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  • Nimish Khandelwal,
  • Shishir Kumar Behera

摘要

Though higher education institutions (HEIs) are vital to advancing carbon neutrality, few comprehensive assessments of their carbon footprints (CFs) are available. In line with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, this study evaluates the CF of a prominent HEI in southern India. A hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmentally extended input-output analysis (EEIOA) methodology was employed to quantify Scopes 1-3 emissions, encompassing direct energy use, purchased electricity, commuting, food services, and information technology (IT) procurement. Carbon offsets for Scope 4 were estimated using tree-sequestration rates. The results of this study revealed that CF in 2024 was 2.52 t CO₂ eq./capita, with electricity, food services, and IT equipment as the primary contributors. Campus greenery offsets 1.53% of the campus’s emissions, underscoring its potential for mitigating climate change. The institute’s reliance on a coal-dependent grid presents a challenge for reducing emissions associated with energy usage. The study demonstrates the efficacy of hybrid methodologies (LCA-EEIOA) in capturing institutional emissions and advocates for well-planned strategies to improve energy efficiency, promote sustainable procurement, and expand green infrastructure.

Graphical abstract