Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Mitigation Strategies in Universities Under ISO 14064-1: Lessons for Global Higher Education Sustainability

Shu-Yao Tsai, Mei-Ching Wang, Shun-Pei Yao, Gregory J. Tsay and Chun-Ping Lin ()
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Shu-Yao Tsai: Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, 64, Wunhua Rd., Huwei Township, Yunlin County 63201, Taiwan
Mei-Ching Wang: Office of Environmental Safety and Health, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
Shun-Pei Yao: PH Consulting Co., Ltd., 1, Ln. 101, Zhishan Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung 40745, Taiwan
Gregory J. Tsay: Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
Chun-Ping Lin: Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-15

Abstract: In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global pursuit of net-zero emissions, higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly expected to demonstrate robust climate accountability and effective decarbonization strategies. This three-year longitudinal study presents a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a higher education institution, employing the ISO 14064-1:2018 framework to strengthen inventory design, boundary delineation, and data governance protocols. Findings indicate that purchased electricity constitutes the largest share; however, fugitive refrigerant leakage and Scope 3 activities—particularly commuting and business travel—represent substantial and often underestimated components of the institution’s carbon footprint. Methodological refinements, including the incorporation of updated emission factors coefficients and enhanced data verification, have revealed the sensitivity of GHG inventories to both policy reforms and behavioral changes, as well as institutional policy reforms. The study also demonstrates that targeted refrigerant management and low-carbon mobility initiatives can generate measurable mitigation effects, even under conditions of expanding campus activity. Beyond the institution-specific results, this research proposes a replicable framework that integrates ISO 14064-1 compliance with data quality assurance and digital verification tools. This framework provides HEIs globally with a structured pathway to enhance reporting credibility, develop evidence-based mitigation strategies, and accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality. These insights underline the strategic role of universities in advancing sector-wide climate leadership and contributing to sustainable development transitions.

Keywords: greenhouse gas inventory; ISO 14064-1; higher education; Scope 3; data governance; mitigation strategy; net-zero; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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