Route Zero

2023
2024
2023
2023
Since last quarter of 2023, NOVA has been laying the technical and organizational groundwork to support the commitment to becoming a Net Zero and Climate Resilient University, in alignment with the Paris Agreement ambition. The Route Zero project is a two-year initiative to assess, project, and select cost-effective options to achieve these goals. Route Zero will set NOVA emissions future pathway towards net zero goal through a detailed roadmap.
Route Zero encapsulates NOVA’s vision of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) as hubs of knowledge, innovation, and partnerships for climate action. Through the mobilization of NOVA community, stakeholders, and peers, the project aims to drive systemic transformation across infrastructure, institutional processes, and collective behaviors. We invite everyone to join this journey and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and actions needed to achieve our ambitious goals.
Please check this page regularly for new content
Explores the link between climate action, the SDGs and HEIs´ missions.
Why HEIs must commit to Climate ActionGives insights on what could be the purpose, goals, structure and components of a climate neutrality and resilience Roadmap for HEIs.
O que é um Roteiro para a Neutralidade e Resiliência Climática(available in March)
Provides an overview on what needs to be considered and secured prior to starting the development of a Climate Action Plan or Roadmap, including resources and capacity building.
(available in June)
Details the importance and steps to define a transparent and widely recognized structure of competences, responsibilities and accountability.
Lists and defines the most frequently used concepts related to climate change mitigation (e.g., GHG emissions, carbon neutrality, net zero, carbon positive, carbon sequestration).
Concepts on Climate Change Mitigation(available in March)
(available in March)
Gives an overview of the methodology used to project medium to long-term evolution of GHG emissions considering future activities and assets.
(available in April)
Provides insights on the identification and prioritisation of different decarbonization options, considering projected emissions. Includes topics such as cost-effectiveness analysis and financing requirements.
(available in May)
Provides an overview of how to design alternative pathways to reach net zero, considering the lifespan of current assets, the opportunity for new investments and the HEI’s overall strategy.
Lists and explains key concepts for Climate Change Resilience in the context of HEI activities (e.g., climate events, climate hazards, climate risk, exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, resilience and contingency plans).
Adaptação e Resiliência às alterações Climáticas- Conceitos(available in May)
Explores the Future Proofing methodology used to assess climate risks.
(available in May)
Provides an overview of the process of developing a Climate Change Resilience Plan for one of NOVA schools, including the principles for adaptive management, selecting technical and technological solutions and engaging with key stakeholders in territorial management.
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