Underlying or overarching all actions, pilots and projects proposed for the sustainable transition of TU Delft is the governance that forms the foundation of a sustainable community. Our sustainability core team deals with this theme.
TU Delft intends to become an entirely sustainable organisation, not only by the measures implemented on the campus and the resulting carbon and circular performance, but also in the way the university is organised. Financial and regulative incentives (carbon pricing, Total cost of ownership, circular contracting) should steer processes towards sustainability.
Total Cost of Ownership
In order to support sustainable decisions, a long-term perspective on financial decisions is needed. TCO (total cost of ownership) includes exploitation costs and benefits and considers the residual value of a building or product and its materials. The capitalisation of environmental impact is also possible. Therefore, TCO will become the basis for financial decisions.
Circular contracting
Procurement of stationary, furniture, equipment, materials and services proved to be the greatest cause of carbon equivalent emissions at TU Delft. The embodied carbon of these products can only be tackled by a full supply chain approach, from producer to end-user. Therefore, circular contracting, which can secure the sustainable production, transport, maintenance and final stage handling, is essential to cut down on carbon emissions. We are already working with circular contracting.
Internal carbon tax
Based on various sources and to make amends for damages of the past, TU Delft is investigating the possibility to use a carbon price at the value of € 150 per tonne of CO2-equivalent and how to include this in its everyday financial system. This carbon price can possibly be used for financial decisions, to compare alternative plans, with selections of suppliers, for price adjustments, to define carbon budgets, and as value for an internal carbon tax (e.g. imposed on flights).
Personal carbon budgets
We are currently investigating the option of personal carbon budgets: a maximum CO2 emission budget that can be arranged per faculty or service department, and per employee or student. Organisational units and people can spend this budget the way they want to. A personal carbon budget can help to change behaviour and support conscientious decisions.