Brazilian Higher Education Institutions' Environmental Impact: A Review of GHG Emissions and Removals

Strategic Insights -

Brazilian higher education institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in society, but their activities also generate environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A new study conducted by Federal University Santa Maria and funded by Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior found that the number of HEIs in Brazil that quantified their GHG emissions and removals is very limited. The study analyzed data from 12 HEIs that reported emissions using the GHG Protocol methodology between 2010 and 2024 and found significant variation in the scopes and total volumes of emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that scope 3 emissions, mainly from commuting to campus, were the main emissions group for many HEIs.
  • Only 12 out of a total of 2,500 HEIs in Brazil reported emissions and removals using the GHG Protocol methodology.
  • The capacity of HEIs to compensate for their emissions in green areas was limited and showed significant variation.
  • The management of GHG emissions by HEIs can be improved by increasing the inventoried sources, standardizing methodologies, and developing specific reduction strategies for each scope.

Statistics:

  • 2,500: The total number of HEIs in Brazil.
  • 12: The number of HEIs that reported emissions and removals using the GHG Protocol methodology between 2010 and 2024.
  • 2010-2024: The time period analyzed in the study.
  • 30: The volume of GHG emissions reported by the 12 HEIs.

Sources:

  • A Review of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Their Removal By Green Areas In Brazilian Education Institutions. Engenharia Sanitaria e Ambiental, 2025;30.
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings in Sanitary Engineering Described by Researchers from Federal University Santa Maria (A Review of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Their Removal By Green Areas In Brazilian Education Institutions). Global Warming Focus. July 14, 2025; p 454.