Integrating Sustainability Frameworks for Assessment of Environmental Performance in Higher Education Institutions via Energy, Fuel, and Waste Management Audits

Abstract

There are over forty-five universities in Ethiopia, with an expected increase in the upcoming years which necessitates studies on their environmental impact. However, the environmental impact of these large institutions, particularly regarding resource consumptions such as electricity, diesel fuel, and water remains largely uninvestigated. This study employed the IPCC SCOPE 3 approach to assess the environmental impact of selected Ethiopian universities. This study collects primary data through surveys and observations and complements this with relevant secondary sources such as government records, organizational data, and existing literature. It utilizes IPCC SCOPE 3 guidelines to comprehensively analyze emissions and sustainability in Ethiopian higher education. The finding revealed substantial resource consumption, with notable electricity use accounting for the largest proportion of total emissions. The university's transition to electric cooking primarily powered by hydroelectric energy has effectively decreased emissions from traditional stoves across two of its four campuses, impacting 75% of residents. Electricity still represents 78% of the greenhouse gas emissions followed by waste generation which is 17.81%. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable policies to mitigate environmental impacts. The research identified economic constraints and underlined the need for policy support to enhance sustainability and environmental outcomes. Existing youth engagement programs in solid waste sorting, composting, recycling, and water treatment for reuse or recycling of clean water are in their initial development stages. The study suggests strengthening these practices while recognizing the potential to integrate renewable energy sources with appropriate policies, which could significantly impact institutional sustainability efforts.

Keywords:  corporate impact, electricity use, emission, environmental impact audit, fuel economy, kilowatt hour, pollution