GHG Emissions Inventory of a Multi-Campus State University: A Scope 1–2–3 Analysis for Institutional Climate Action

Abstract

Climate change mitigation has become a critical priority under Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), with higher education institutions increasingly recognized as key actors in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing sustainability. This study assessed the GHG emissions profile of a multi-campus state university in the Philippines using a descriptive quantitative design and a campus-level carbon inventory approach. Emissions were categorized into Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions), using a multi-source data collection framework that integrated secondary institutional records and primary survey inputs. Results revealed a highly electricity-driven emissions structure, with Scope 2 accounting for approximately 77% of total emissions, followed by Scope 3 (15%) and Scope 1 (8%). Emissions were unevenly distributed across campuses, with one campus contributing a disproportionately large share of total emissions. Major emission drivers included electricity consumption, commuting, and cooling-related energy use, while waste-related sources contributed a smaller but notable share. The findings highlight the importance of energy-focused mitigation strategies, supported by behavioral and operational interventions, in reducing institutional carbon footprints. The study provides an evidence-based baseline for sustainability planning and contributes to the growing body of literature on GHG accounting in higher education, particularly within developing country contexts. It also supports institutional alignment with national climate policies and global sustainability frameworks.