Monitoring of GHG emissions at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Purpose of Calculations

The main purpose of calculating greenhouse gas emissions is to implement clause 10 of the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Environmental Protection Policy and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on climate change.

General Information

Carbon emissions were calculated in accordance with the methodology of the GHG Protocol, the internationally recognised greenhouse gas accounting standard. The GHG Protocol establishes three categories of emissions: direct (Scope 1), indirect (Scope 2) and all other indirect emissions (Scope 3).

Kyiv Polytechnic's emissions are calculated in line with two categories ( Scope 1 and Scope 2).

The Kyiv Polytechnic’s infrastructure includes 34 academic buildings, which house: 10 institutes, 14 faculties, the Centre for International Education, the Scientific and Technical Library, the State Polytechnic Museum, the Department of Military Training, 13 research subdivisions, the Student Catering Centre, the Centre for Culture and Arts, the Centre for Physical Education and Sports, the Politechnica Publishing House, the Production and Maintenance Plant, the Motor Transport Enterprise, 20 dormitories and other structural subdivisions.

Technological processes that discharge pollutants into the air are carried out at 36 sites. The emissions are regulated by the Air Pollutant Emission Permit for Stationary Sources No. 8038900000-10374 dated 28 December 2020.

 Direct greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, which belong to Scope 1 in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, comprise all carbon emissions directly caused by university operations. They include:

• emissions from fuel combustion in research facilities such as three solid fuel and four gas boilers used in the educational process and installed in buildings No.6 and No.20;
• emissions from fuel combustion in generators used during scheduled and emergency power outages;
• emissions from vehicles owned by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.

Indirect carbon emissions, which fall into Scope 2 in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, include emissions from the production of electricity and heat purchased by the university from external suppliers.

Choosing Target Base Year

According to the requirements of the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, the choice of the target base year for measuring carbon emissions is built on the following criteria:

• data availability – availability of complete and reliable data on university's emissions over the chosen year;
• representativeness – a year that reflects typical university operations without significant changes in the structure of energy consumption or activities.

The year 2020 was marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, entailing the shift to online learning. This significantly reduced energy consumption and emissions, making this year unrepresentative for further comparisons. In 2022, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute temporarily switched to online learning again due to the war. In addition, the installation of solar panels started in 2022, which had an impact on the energy balance, complicating the correct comparison with future periods.

In December 2020, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute received a Permit for Emissions of Pollutants into the Atmosphere from Stationary Sources and has started submitting annual reports to the State Statistics Service since 2021, which ensures the availability of accurate data on emissions from stationary sources. Carbon emissions in 2021 do not yet include the use of solar panels, therefore that year enables measurement of the output level of energy consumption before switching to renewable sources.

Taking account of these criteria, 2021 was chosen as base year for the university. In the event of significant changes in operations, methodology or the scope of emissions calculation, the base year may be revised.

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions, proactively carrying out measures to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. In accordance with the adopted environmental policy, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute sets a target of reducing the overall level of its GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to its target base year. The achievement of the targets will be monitored through the annual recalculation of GHG emissions and updated reporting.

Calculation Results

Scope 1: Direct emissions

Direct GHG emissions from stationary sources are calculated by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute quarterly by using data on the used raw materials and the operating time of the equipment and are taken into account when paying environmental tax and filling out the state statistical report in accordance with Form No. 2-ТП (air) (annual) ‘Report on Emissions of Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases into the Atmosphere from Stationary Sources’. Emissions from stationary sources are shown in Table 1. Carbon emissions in CO2 equivalent were recalculated by multiplying them by their global warming potential (GWP) pursuant to the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Table 1 – Emissions from stationary sources

* 2021  – base year.

GHG emissions from mobile sources and generators were calculated by using data on the amount of fuel used, taking account of emission factors and lower heating values (LHV) of fuels. The information on emission factors and lower heating values of fuels per unit mass was obtained from the Report of Greenhouse Gas Inventory of Ukraine. Emissions from the combustion of different types of fuel in mobile sources and generators are shown in Table 2.

Table 2 – Emissions from mobile sources and generators

* 2021  – base year.

Total emissions (Scope 1) are shown in Table 3.

Table 3 – Total emissions (Scope 1)

* 2021  – base year.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions

Indirect GHG emissions of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute from the consumption of electricity and heat are calculated by using the amount of purchased energy, taking account of the emission factor. The emission factor for electricity/heat is calculated as per Addendum 10 to the Methodology for Calculating the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction, and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine No. 169 dated 11 July 2018, registered No. 822/32274 with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on 16 July 2018). The amount of carbon emissions classified by Scope 2 is shown in Table 4.

Table 4 – Total emissions (Scope 2)

* 2021  – base year.

The amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources is shown in Table 5.

Table 5 – Amount of electricity generated from renewable energy sources

* 2021  – base year.

Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

Total carbon emissions in CO2 equivalent, and the progress in reducing them are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 – Total Scope 1 and 2 emissions

* 2021 – baseyear, 2030 – fixed target year, 12,421.994 – target emissions.