AAU is a leading university in supporting the balanced and sustainable development* of the planet. Based on its "Knowledge for the World" strategy, the university works actively and responsibly to contribute to sustainable development through education, research, cooperation, and by reducing the environmental impact of the operation of AAU and by promoting equality and social responsibility.

AAU endeavours to:

• Integrate environmental, financial and social sustainability at all levels of all strategic and operational activities
• Foster a reputation and an identity associated with sustainable development
• Embody openness, co-determination and equal opportunities for all and a high level of diversity among staff and students
• Offer the highest quality education that prepares graduates with knowledge, commitment, critical thinking and practical tools that enable them to contribute to a sustainable society
• Deliver the highest quality research that contributes to sustainable and innovative solutions to societal challenges
• Create value by disseminating knowledge and supporting the implementation of  technologies, methods and approaches, as well as actively participating in the public debate to contribute to sustainable development
• Systematically work to continuously improve the environmental, economic and social sustainability efforts of AAU
• Take preventive measures to protect the environment and prevent the environmental impact of the operation of AAU
• Encourage, educate and create conditions for staff and students to contribute to sustainable development within and beyond AAU
• Work with partners who contribute to sustainable development and promote sustainable development in conjunction with local, national and global actors

*The UN defines sustainable development as “...development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

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AAU's "Knowledge for the World" strategy

Aalborg University’s most recent strategy Knowledge for the World 2022-2026 reflects the vision that Aalborg University is internationally recognised as a mission-oriented university that contributes to sustainable development. As a mission-oriented knowledge institution, Aalborg University will help solve complex challenges in society like climate change. Therefore, Aalborg University has adopted three climate targets to support its contribution to the green transition.

Climate Targets for Aalborg University 

1. Aalborg University has reduced its greenhouse gas emission by 70 percent in 2030 (1990 baseline)
2. Aalborg University is climate neutral no later than 2045
3. Aalborg University will contribute to national fulfillment of the 70 percent reduction in 2030 and climate neutrality in 2045 in the cheapest and best possible way while striving to make it technologically, organisationally, and humanely possible to further enhance the ambition of these targets.

To further qualify the targets and ensure continued monitoring and follow-up, a model [1] for climate accounting covering scope 1-3 emissions from all university activities is underway that will serve as a baseline ensuring the most efficient measures. 

The targets must be realised through actions initiated by the university and will be done through collaboration with relevant local and national stakeholders. 

Actions will be prioritised based on reduction potential and in accordance with AAU’s general sustainability policy and Knowledge for the World 2022-2026.

Based on AAU research, Denmark can achieve climate neutrality in the transport and energy sectors in 2045 rather than in 2050 which is the current national target. The researchers behind this work [2] consider it possible for AAU to be climate neutral in 2045 when it comes to operations. This assessment is conditional on seeing the university as part of a society in transition to more sustainable solutions in, for example, buildings and districting heating, and not just as an isolated entity. 

Notes

[1] The model is developed as a part of a national collaboration on a common climate accounting methodology that AAU researchers had a leading role in creating. The model is expected to be used by all universities. Read more about the project here: https://vbn.aau.dk/en/projects/methodology-innovation-climate-account-for-aalborg-university-dan 
 
[2] Professor Henrik Lund has assessed that climate neutrality for Denmark, hence also AAU, can and should happen in 2045. He is one of the researchers on the report: https://ida.dk/om-ida/klimasvar/idas-klimasvar-2045-se-rapporten