Current and Best Practices for Scope3 Emissions Reductions in Higher Education Institutions – Procurement

Given the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the limited information available concerning higher education institutions’ (HEIs) approach to Scope 3 procurement emissions, this study investigates how HEIs measure and mitigate these emissions while identifying best practices. A review of literature, institutional websites and responses to a self-reporting sustainability performance framework was conducted along with a case study on York University. Results indicate a need to enhance HEIs’ awareness of procurement emissions, with only half of the HEIs examined calculating total procurement emissions. While Environmentally Extended Input-Output Analysis (EEIOA) emerges as the primary and recommended method for emissions estimation due to its resource efficiency, it lacks sensitivity to reduction strategies. Notably, HEIs predominately rely on product certifications under sustainable procurement schemes as reduction strategies, overlooking the reduction of consumption. These findings suggest that HEIs’ current approach to address procurement emissions often falls within the broader context of sustainability, rather than recognizing them as hotspots of emissions requiring attention for climate change mitigation. A re-evaluation of their approach is needed, given the urgency of the climate crisis. Future studies should address challenges related to data collection, standardization of emissions accounting and awareness of emissions embodied in products and services. Collaborations within HEIs and partnerships with other HEIs and suppliers present promising opportunities to reduce procurement emissions.