The Paris Agreement calls for limiting global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This demands a global transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. At O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), we are rising to this challenge with a bold pledge to achieve net-zero emissions across our operations by 2035.
JGU’s Net-Zero Journey: Progress and Ambition
O.P. Jindal Global University is dedicated to balancing the greenhouse gas emissions we produce with those we remove from the atmosphere. To date, we have completed a comprehensive accounting of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions—covering direct emissions from our facilities and indirect emissions from purchased energy—for the fiscal year 2024-25. This milestone, achieved in partnership with a leading external firm and guided by the GHG Protocol standard, marks a critical step in understanding and addressing our carbon footprint.
Looking ahead, JGU has set an ambitious target to reach net zero by 2035. As a signatory of the Race to Zero initiative—supported by the UN Environment Programme, EAUC, and Second Nature—we are proud to join a global coalition driving toward a zero-carbon future. Our commitment positions us as a leader among academic institutions, aligning with international climate goals while inspiring meaningful change.
Our Action Plan: Building a Sustainable Campus
With our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions data in hand, JGU is developing a detailed action plan to reduce emissions across all university activities. This strategy will outline specific, measurable steps to achieve both short-term wins and our long-term 2035 net-zero goal. Key focus areas include:
Energy Systems: Transitioning to renewable sources and improving efficiency.
Campus Operations: Optimizing resource use and reducing waste.
Transportation: Encouraging sustainable travel and mobility options.
Infrastructure: Integrating green practices into construction and maintenance.
This plan is a collaborative effort, fueled by ideas from our faculty, staff, and students. Their contributions ensure that our approach is innovative, practical, and reflective of JGU’s diverse community.
Engaging Our Community
At JGU, sustainability is a shared mission. Our faculty and students will continue to shape our net-zero strategy through research, policy development, and hands-on projects. By tapping into our academic expertise, we aim to not only meet our goals but also contribute solutions to global climate challenges. Opportunities for involvement—such as sustainability workshops, research initiatives, and campus programs—will empower our community to play an active role.
A Vision for 2035 and Beyond
JGU’s net-zero target is more than a deadline—it’s a promise to lead with purpose. Having assessed our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, we are now poised to tackle Scope 3 emissions and refine our efforts across the board. By 2035, we envision a campus that exemplifies sustainability, resilience, and responsibility—a model for universities worldwide.
Join us on this journey. Together, we are shaping a future where education and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Stay updated as we share our progress and celebrate the collective impact of the JGU community.