Análise das emissões de gases do efeito estufa na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná

Abstract

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the Earth's temperature has been steadily increasing, leading to growing concern among environmentalists and the general population about the risks and consequences of global warming. The main cause of rising global warming levels is Greenhouse Gases (GHG). This study, conducted as a quantitative research between 2023 and 2024, investigates greenhouse gas emissions across the 13 campuses of the Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR) in the cities of Apucarana, Campo Mourão, Cornélio Procópio, Curitiba, Dois Vizinhos, Francisco Beltrão, Guarapuava, Londrina, Medianeira, Pato Branco, Ponta Grossa, Santa Helena, and Toledo, all located in the state of Paraná. The study focuses on Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions related to energy acquisition). Using the GHG Protocol methodology, the authors quantified emissions from fuel consumption and electricity use, which are the primary sources of emissions in educational institutions, as identified in the literature review, and proposed mitigation strategies. Implementing the suggested actions could reduce mobile combustion emissions by up to 38%, as well as decrease emissions related to electricity consumption (Scope 2) by up to 58.2%, totaling 295.76 metric tons of CO¢ equivalent avoided annually. The study highlights the importance of sustainability initiatives in educational institutions as an example for society, while reinforcing the role of universities in combating climate change.