UM's carbon footprint: an initial assessment to guide action
On September 24, 2024, the University of Montpellier officially launched its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment (BEGES), an initiative 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 tons of CO₂ equivalent per person (students and staff combined) for the year 2023.
Entrusted to the consulting firm NEPSEN, this assessment was conducted using the Bilan Carbone® methodology developed by ADEME. This is the first comprehensive carbon assessment for the University of Montpellier, and is part of its ecological transition master plan. The objective is to identify the main sources of emissions in order to better target future reduction measures.
Travel at the heart of emissions
In 2023, the institution's activities generated 56,818 tons of CO₂ equivalent, an average of 1.05 tons per member of the university community. The largest source of emissions is travel, particularly commuting, inter-site travel, and travel related to internships. A "mobility" survey conducted among students and staff made it possible to quantify this impact precisely. After transportation, the next largest sources of emissions are energy consumption, waste, fixed assets, and purchases.
A strategic tool for ecological transition
This first BEGES is a valuable decision-making tool. It will serve as the basis for an ambitious action plan aimed at achieving a 5% annual reduction in emissions. Through this structured approach, the University of Montpellier is reaffirming its commitment to taking concrete action on climate change and its leading role in the ecological transition within the higher education and research ecosystem.