By law, Umeå University is obliged to regularly conduct an environmental investigation of its organisation. The purpose of the environmental investigation is not least to form basis for targets and measures to reduce the negative direct environmental impact. Umeå University conducts an environmental investigation every five years. The previous investigation was conducted in 2019.
Purpose of environmental investigation
An environmental investigation aims to fulfil the following purposes and
provide support for the university’s achievement of the 2030 Agenda. and follow the requirement of carrying out an environmental
investigation according to Ordinance (2009:907) on Environmental Management in Government Agencies (Chapter 3, Section 4).
demonstrate the university’s internal and external environmental impact.
form basis for the identification and assessment of sustainability aspects.
account for mandatory requirements set by stakeholders and other parties.
Summary of the 2019 environmental investigation
In the 2019 environmental investigation, focus was aimed at the sustainable development goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The challenges are extensive and complex and the timeframe is limited, which is why it is of essence that all member states work forcibly to achieve the goals. The primary role of the university in the 2030 Agenda work is to contribute with research and to educate within the field of sustainable development, as well as collaborate with other organisations in society in achieving the goals.
This environmental investigation highlights Umeå University’s direct and indirect environmental impact. The environmental aspects are the same as those presented in the previous environmental investigation from 2014, with an addition of the impact on the sustainable development goals. These goals have also been added to the basis of assessment in the environmental aspect assessment. Additionally, the environmental aspects have been set into a lifecycle perspective, to illustrate the university’s scope for action.
The direct environmental aspects that have been assessed to have a substantial impact are: Energy consumption, waste management, travels and use of chemicals.
The indirect environmental aspects that have been assessed to have a substantial impact are: Education, research, collaboration, and public procurement and purchase.
Environmental aspects such as use of water, use of office supplies and biotechnological products (GMM and GMO) were previously ranked as significant, but in the new assessment, these have been ranked as insignificant environmental aspects.
