The Technical University – Sofia marks World Environment Day with over 50% reduction in carbon emissions

The Technical University – Sofia has achieved a reduction of more than 50% in carbon emissions resulting from its activities in 2023 compared to 2012. These are the data from "the Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Generated by the Activities of Technical University – Sofia". A result worth noting on the occasion of celebrating June 5 – World Environment Day.  

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report generated by the activities of TU-Sofia was prepared in fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Strategy of the university and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Its scope includes: greenhouse gas emissions generated directly by the activities of TU-Sofia; greenhouse gas emissions generated indirectly through the purchase of energy. The reduction in emissions is the result of a number of measures undertaken by the university in the aforementioned areas. Thanks to them, Technical University – Sofia has achieved the goals set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy. In addition to satisfaction, this is also a contribution by the university to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, with a horizon of 2030. The tasks and activities planned in the document for the coming years reflect the striving to maintain the trend, which will ensure the sustainability of the achieved results.

For the integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Strategy focuses on several directions. Waste management, water resources, transport, electricity, and thermal energy have been identified as key sectors on which the university's activities have a direct impact. It is also crucial to include sustainability topics in the curriculum, as well as to encourage scientific research related to addressing challenges facing the environment, climate, waters, nature restoration, and biodiversity conservation. Initiatives to reduce waste, such as recycling and composting, as well as fostering responsible attitudes and behaviors among students and staff, are also among the main activities planned for implementation.

To achieve the goals of the Strategy, including the organization of various initiatives, a Center for Sustainable Development (Green Office) was established at Technical University – Sofia. The Green Office, located in Block 1 (the former bookstore), is open to everyone. Its main focus is on working with students and activating their engagement with environmental issues and the preservation of the planet. The aim is for this place to become a space for exchanging creative and innovative ideas in the long term, as well as to help build a community of people sharing similar visions for the future.