UM's carbon footprint: a first assessment for action
On September 24, 2024, the University of Montpellier officially launched its Bilan des Émissions de Gaz à Effet de Serre (BEGES), a process designed to accurately measure the carbon footprint of its teaching, research and operational activities. The results, published in October 2025, reveal an average footprint of 1.05 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per person (students and staff combined) over the year 2023.
Entrusted to the consulting firm NEPSEN, this assessment was carried out using the Bilan Carbone® methodology developed by ADEME. This is the University of Montpellier's first complete carbon assessment, as part of its master plan for ecological transition. The aim is to identify the main emission sources in order to better guide future reduction actions.
Travel at the heart of emissions
In 2023, the establishment's activities generated 56,818 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, or an average of 1.05 tonnes per member of the university community. The largest emitting item concerns travel, in particular home-to-work, inter-site and internship-related journeys. A "mobility" survey carried out among students and staff enabled us to quantify this impact precisely. After transportation comes energy consumption, waste, fixed assets and purchasing.
A strategic tool for the ecological transition
This first BEGES is a real decision-making tool. It will serve as the basis for an ambitious action plan, targeting an annual 5% reduction in emissions. Through this structured approach, the University of Montpellier is reaffirming its determination to take concrete action for the climate, and its driving role in the ecological transition within the higher education and research ecosystem.