13.4.1 : Commitment to carbon neutral university
UTM Sustainable Blueprint 2030
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) reinforced its institutional commitment to carbon neutrality through the comprehensive initiative “Jejak Karbon di UTM”, a structured programme designed to measure, monitor, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across campus operations. The initiative adopts the GHG Protocol as a methodological foundation, integrating Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (energy-related emissions), and Scope 3 (indirect sources such as commuting and waste) into its annual inventory.
The carbon audit identified key emission contributors including electricity consumption, transportation, and waste management. To address these challenges, UTM has introduced mitigation strategies such as expanded solar PV deployment, energy-efficient retrofitting of buildings, and campus mobility optimization. Through data modelling, the university evaluated scenarios with and without interventions, projecting significant emission reductions under renewable energy integration and behavioural change programmes.
The Jejak Karbon di UTM serves as both a policy instrument and monitoring tool, guiding evidence-based decision-making and transparent reporting to internal stakeholders and government partners. Continuous tracking ensures adaptive refinement of UTM’s Climate Action Plan and alignment with Malaysia’s Net-Zero 2050 Roadmap.
UTM has set its institutional goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, advancing its role as a national model for sustainable campus management. This initiative embodies the principles of SDG 13—Climate Action—through measurable progress, stakeholder engagement, and science-driven decarbonisation pathways.
Source :
https://chancellery.utm.my/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Sustainability-Blueprint-2030.pdf
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Report 2024
This report summarizes Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the year 2024, covering direct, indirect, and value-chain emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). The data were compiled from verified records of fuel use, electricity consumption, and waste and water management across all UTM campuses.
1. GHG Emissions Summary by Scope
|
Reporting Level |
Description |
Total Emissions (t CO₂e) |
|
Scope 1 |
Direct emissions from fuel combustion |
1,156.65 |
|
Scope 1 + 2 |
Direct + electricity-related emissions |
29,369.28 |
|
Scope 1 + 2 + 3 (Full) |
Assuming full Scope 3 coverage |
31,256.39 |
Figure 1. UTM 2024 GHG Emissions by Scope
2. Interpretation and Key Insights
The total GHG emissions recorded for 2024 amount to 31,256.39 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). The analysis indicates that Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity account for approximately 90% of the total footprint, followed by Scope 3 (water and waste) at 6%, and Scope 1 (fuel combustion) at 4%. This reflects the energy-intensive nature of campus operations, with electricity consumption as the most significant contributor.
3. Recommendations for UTM Management
1. Establish a formal Carbon Neutrality Target by 2050, aligned with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
2. Expand solar PV systems across all campuses to offset Scope 2 electricity emissions.
3. Transition to low-emission or electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce Scope 1 emissions.
4. Implement enhanced waste segregation and recycling programmes to address Scope 3 impacts.
5. Institutionalize annual GHG inventory reporting within the UTM Sustainability Framework for transparent monitoring and adaptive management.
