Carbon Footprint Measurement Across All GHG Protocol Scopes
Porto Business School (PBS) has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability strategy: the full measurement of its carbon footprint across all GHG Protocol Scopes — 1, 2, and 3. This marks the start of a new phase in PBS’s climate action plan and reinforces its role as an active player in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
By including Scope 3 emissions — the most challenging category in carbon accounting — PBS now monitors both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions linked to its operations. This provides a robust data foundation to set science-based targets and implement consistent, measurable decarbonization initiatives.
This process aligns with PBS’s public commitment as a signatory of the Porto Climate Contract, an initiative led by Porto City Council that aims to achieve carbon neutrality in the city by 2030, targeting an 85% reduction in emissions through a cross-sector, systemic, and transformative approach.
“More than a technical exercise, this measurement represents a commitment to future generations and to the planet. As an educational institution, an active part of the economic fabric, and an international reference in leadership development, we want to lead by example — turning climate ambition into tangible action. The path to net zero requires knowledge, courage, and purpose,” says Patrícia Teixeira Lopes, Vice-Dean of Porto Business School.
By adopting an integrated carbon management strategy, Porto Business School consolidates its position as a responsible leadership model, aligning its actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative is part of a broader organizational transformation plan aimed at both mitigating climate impact and creating positive value for society and the environment.
PBS Commitment to Sustainability and Climate Action
Sustainability is a core pillar of Porto Business School’s mission. Over the years, the school has implemented key environmental initiatives such as creating the largest eco-friendly rooftop urban garden in Portugal, with 70 cultivation beds covering 114 m².
In 2014, PBS became the first business school in Portugal — and the second in the Iberian Peninsula — to achieve LEED GOLD certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for its building, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. This recognition reflects global best practices in sustainable building design and operations.
In 2023, PBS installed 300 rooftop solar panels, reinforcing its commitment to renewable energy production and accelerating its decarbonization pathway.
Additionally, PBS integrates sustainability-focused content into its educational portfolio — including MBAs, Executive Masters, and postgraduate programs — to equip future leaders with the skills to drive positive environmental and social impact.