Report on project's carbon emissions and on
compensation actions

Ariane Dubost, Zhuoqun Wu, Matilde Oliveri, Simona Loperte, Francesca Ricciardi

► To cite this version:

Ariane Dubost, Zhuoqun Wu, Matilde Oliveri, Simona Loperte, Francesca Ricciardi. Report on project's carbon emissions and on compensation actions. Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). 2025. hal-05205394

HAL Id: hal-05205394

https://uca.hal.science/hal-05205394v1

Submitted on 9 Aug 2025

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<table><tr><td>Title</td><td>Report on project's carbon emissions and on compensation actions</td></tr><tr><td>Work package n°</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td>Deliverable / Milestone n°</td><td>11.6</td></tr><tr><td>Lead beneficiary</td><td>CNRS</td></tr><tr><td>Author(s)</td><td>Ariane Dubost, Zhuoqun Wu (CNRS), Matilde Oliveri (UCA)<br>Simona Loperte, Francesca Ricciardi (CNR)</td></tr><tr><td>Deliverable Type</td><td>Report</td></tr><tr><td>Dissemination Level</td><td>CO</td></tr><tr><td>Estimated delivery date</td><td>30 June 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Actual delivery date</td><td>18 July 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Version</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Reviewed by</td><td>Véronique Riffault (IMT)</td></tr><tr><td>Accepted by</td><td>Project Office</td></tr><tr><td>Comments</td><td></td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>

Table of contents

<table><tr><td>1.</td><td>Introduction</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Objectives</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Carbon emissions monitoring</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>3.1</td><td>Methodology</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Definition of Perimeter and Scope</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Development of the Monitoring Tool</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Emission Factors and Data Sources</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Data Collection Process</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Limitations and Assumptions</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Results</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>4.1</td><td>Carbon footprint of TNA access</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Carbon emissions deriving from physical access</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Carbon emissions deriving from remote access</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>4.2</td><td>Carbon emissions deriving from project meetings</td><td>17</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Carbon emissions deriving from physical project meetings</td><td>21</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Carbon emissions deriving from remote project meetings</td><td>23</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Avoidance initiatives</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>5.1</td><td>Emissions Avoidance Decision Tree</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>5.2</td><td>Promotion of Remote Participation</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>5.3</td><td>Sustainable meeting organisation</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>5.4</td><td>Remote access to Research Infrastructure (RI) services</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>5.5</td><td>Cross-fertilisation with other RI projects</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>Conclusions and Recommendations</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>6.1</td><td>Summary of key findings</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>6.2</td><td>Strategic recommendations for the future</td><td>28</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>References</td><td>29</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Annex 1</td><td>31</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Annex 2</td><td>32</td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

# 1. Introduction

In recent years, the scientific consensus and the policy frameworks at global and European levels have clearly indicated the urgency of drastically reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate climate change. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) [1], established the objective of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Achieving this target requires a comprehensive transformation of societal and economic systems, including research and innovation activities, to align with long-term climate neutrality goals.

In response, the European Union has adopted the European Green Deal [2] and, in 2024, reinforced its commitment by presenting a detailed roadmap to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 [3]. This strategy emphasizes the need for each sector, including the research infrastructure (RI) community, to contribute concretely to this objective by monitoring and reducing their climate impact.

Despite their strategic importance in enabling high-quality science and informing climate action, projects funded under Horizon 2020 and other EU frameworks have not been systematically required to assess their carbon footprints. In this context, the ATMO-ACCESS project, operating as a pilot initiative, has provided a unique opportunity to develop and test a methodology for evaluating the environmental impact of RI-related activities, particularly those related to physical and remote transnational access (TNA), project meetings, and service provision.

To this end, ATMO-ACCESS developed a dedicated monitoring tool and a corresponding methodology for estimating CO2-equivalent emissions at the project level (see Milestone MS56 [4]). The tool, implemented as a shared and open-access Excel-based system, allowed for the systematic collection and conversion of activity data (e.g., travel, equipment use) into GHG emissions through standardized emission factors.

This initiative was also motivated by the engagement of atmospheric RIs participating in the project to align and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals [5] (in particular goal 3 Health - air quality and goal 11 Sustainable cities).

This report presents the results of the carbon footprint assessment carried out throughout the project's implementation. It describes the scope and methodology of the analysis, quantifies the emissions associated with key project components, and outlines avoidance and mitigation

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

actions undertaken. Furthermore, it formulates a set of practical recommendations to inform
the future design of sustainable research infrastructure programs and access schemes.

## 2. Objectives

The carbon footprint assessment conducted within ATMO-ACCESS pursued the following interrelated objectives:

**1. Quantitative assessment of the project's carbon footprint**

To systematically measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions generated by ATMO-ACCESS activities. This involved defining a clear methodological perimeter for the analysis (i.e., the types of activities and operations included), identifying reliable data sources, and adopting a transparent methodology to convert relevant actions into CO2-equivalent values.

**2. Identification and prioritization of emissions' hotspots**

To identify the most significant sources of emissions within the project, such as participant travel for meetings, transnational access activities, and virtual access services, and prioritize these in designing strategies for reduction or compensation.

**3. Implementation of avoidance and mitigation strategies**

To introduce and test practical measures aimed at reducing emissions, including the promotion of remote participation, sustainable travel choices, and energy-efficient access services. These actions aimed to demonstrate that ambitious environmental goals can be compatible with effective scientific collaboration and training.

**4. Integration of sustainability considerations in access provision**

To formulate guidelines and criteria for the inclusion of carbon footprint considerations in the planning and delivery of transnational access services. This includes recommendations on how to balance scientific excellence, user needs, and environmental responsibility in RI operations.

**5. Fostering community engagement and shared responsibility**

To promote a participatory approach in assessing and reducing the project's climate impact. This included engaging all partners in data collection, raising awareness about the environmental implications of research practices, and encouraging the adoption of a sustainability mindset across the RI community.

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>
# 3. Carbon emissions monitoring

## 3.1 Methodology

The methodology adopted for the carbon footprint assessment within ATMO-ACCESS is based on internationally recognized standards for GHG accounting, such as the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 [6], and it has been designed to ensure transparency, replicability, and adaptability to the specific context of RI activities. All the sources on which the assessment is based are listed and detailed in ATMO-ACCESS Milestone 56 [4].

### Definition of Perimeter and Scope

The first step consisted in defining the scope of the analysis, identifying the project activities considered relevant in terms of GHG emissions and considering one year as the reference time year. The perimeter of the assessment included three types of activities:

1. Activities related to the **project's tasks and goals** (annual meetings, WP meetings, SSC meetings). Inside this area, both *physical and online meetings* were tracked. For this type of activity, contributions were centralised by the Project Office (PO) and came from the project's beneficiaries and affiliated entities participating in the project's activities.

#### Physical meetings

For physical meetings, contributions were provided directly by the participants. For instance, after each official annual meeting, participants were invited by the PO to fill in an Excel spreadsheet, by providing information on their trip to reach the meeting location and return.

#### Online meetings

For virtual meetings such as WP meetings and SSC meetings, the PO regularly updated the Excel spreadsheet with data coming from the online meetings organised either by the WP/Task leaders, or by the Coordination.

2. Activities linked to **access provision**. In this category, data was gathered for *physical and remote TNA projects*. *Hybrid access projects* were also considered, by splitting data between the Excel sheets of physical and remote access.

#### Physical access

In this category, data was provided by the PI of each TNA project. Upon completion of each TNA project, the PI had to complete a post-access questionnaire, which included a section on the data needed to calculate the carbon footprint of the travel mode(s). Questionnaires were collected by SAMU, as part of WP9 activities. The results from the questionnaires were regularly shared with the PO, in charge of updating the Excel footprint assessment.

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>

**ATMO ACCESS**
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

## Remote access

In this category, data was provided by the PI of each TNA project. Upon completion of each TNA project, the PI had to complete a post-access questionnaire, which included a section on the data needed to calculate the carbon footprint of the travel mode(s). Questionnaires were collected by SAMU, as part of WP9 activities. The results from the questionnaires were regularly shared with the PO, in charge of updating the Excel footprint assessment.

All the information requested in each of the categories listed here is detailed in Annex 2.

3. **Purchases.** When developing the footprint assessment tool, it was initially envisaged to also include emissions derived from small purchases, mainly concerning IT material for remote meetings or for remote TNA provision (as this is the only type of eligible equipment in the project). Eventually, no data was added in this section, as no IT equipment was declared on the project's budget in RP1 and RP2 financial reports.

## Development of the Monitoring Tool

A customized, open-access Excel-based monitoring tool was developed (see Milestone MS56), enabling all project partners to record and calculate GHG emissions associated with their activities. The tool features:

* User-friendly interface for data entry

* Automated conversion of activities into CO2eq emissions using preloaded emission factors

* Modular structure, allowing for easy updating and expansion.

## Emission Factors and Data Sources

Each activity was matched with an appropriate emission factor, expressed in kgCO2eq per unit (e.g., km travelled, kWh consumed), based on internationally validated databases, including:

* ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition) [7]

* IPCC Guidelines [8] and other EU-wide references

This approach ensured consistency with recognized environmental accounting methodologies, such as those used in the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064.

## Data Collection Process

The following procedures were adopted for data collection:

* For activities linked to the project tasks and goals, data was gathered in different ways according to the type of meeting:

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

* In case of physical meetings, each beneficiary was responsible for entering detailed travel data (mode of transport, distance, number of participants, and location) into the tool, under the coordination of the Project Office. Data was collected retroactively and during project implementation.

* For online meetings such as WP meetings and SSC meetings, the PO regularly updated the Excel spreadsheet with data coming from either the WP/Task leaders, or the Coordination team.

* For activities linked to access provision: upon completion of each TNA project, the project's PI was required to complete a post-access questionnaire, which included a section on the data needed to calculate the carbon footprint of the travel mode(s). Questionnaires were collected by SAMU, as part of WP9 activities. The results from the questionnaires were regularly shared with the PO, in charge of updating the Excel footprint assessment.

## Limitations and Assumptions

Standardized methods for GHG accounting were used as general guidelines but were considered too restrictive for the specific objectives of this task, as several standard activities are not included in the carbon assessment carried out for ATMO-ACCESS.

Indeed, when defining the assessment's perimeter, it was decided not to include the monitoring of carbon equivalent emissions of VA activities (online access to tools and training services; https://www.atmo-access.eu/virtual-access/ and https://www.atmo-access.eu/tutorial-videos/). This decision was mainly justified by the difficulty in measuring the CO2eq emissions of VA provision, compared to the largely available literature on converting travels into CO2eq emissions.

In the initial phase of developing the monitoring tool, several assumptions were necessary in the calculation of the emissions' equivalents. For instance, average values for emissions per travel class had to be used; also, the energy consumption of remote connections had to be estimated since no information could be provided on the type of energy used (from nuclear, renewable or other sources).

In addition, when verifying the data provided by partners and PI TNA users, some assumptions had to be made to complete missing information. e.g. indicating the departure city based on the PI's affiliation, when this had not been specified by the PI.

Although this introduces some uncertainty, the objective was not precise quantification, but rather the identification of trends—through the recognition of main emission sources—raising

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>
awareness, and supporting future strategic decision-making on emission reduction in projects involving access and Research Infrastructures.

## 4. Results

The monitoring tool reports that a total of 210 844 kgCO2eq were emitted from April 2021 until April 2025, directly linked to the ATMO-ACCESS project activities (see section 3.1). Figure 1 shows that, out of this total, physical TNA projects account for the majority of the total emissions (58,85%), followed by physical project meetings (41,06%). Remote project meetings and remote TNA projects only account respectively for 0,05% and 0,04% of the total emissions.

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /><figcaption>Figure 1: Total kgCO2eq emitted in the ATMO-ACCESS project (considering both project meetings and TNA activities, whether physical or remote).</figcaption></figure>

Activities involving travelling account for the vast majority of the overall emissions (210 657 kgCO2eq, 99,9%). When analysing the transportation modes (Figure 2), emissions linked to air travelling account for 90% of the total, followed by the use of cars (9%). Train travelling contributes to only 1% of the total emissions. Only one trip took place by bus, accounting for 219 kg CO2 (0,001%). No travel was carried out by electric cars.
<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /><figcaption>Figure 2: Total kgCO2eq emissions of physical TNA projects and physical project meetings, per transportation mode.</figcaption></figure>

## 4.1 Carbon footprint of TNA access

This section presents the results of the carbon footprint assessment related to the ATMO-ACCESS TNA activities.

The following table summarizes the different TNA calls, indicating the reference time period, the number of accepted vs. submitted applications, and the number and percentage of Carbon Footprint questionnaires received up to 30th April 2025. This parameter is particularly significant, as it reflects environmental awareness of the users. The information on access, in terms of total number of applications and users reported in this section, refers only to those for which completed Carbon Footprint questionnaires were obtained. It is in fact underlined that while completing the carbon footprint questionnaire is not a requirement for gaining access or securing related funding, it is strongly encouraged as a planned methodological component of the access process.

<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_19.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<table><caption>Table 1: Summary of the TNA calls opened during the ATMO-ACCESS project and the related time period, applications received vs accepted per each call, and the percentage of carbon footprint questionnaires received compared to the accepted applications.</caption><thead><tr><td>Call</td><td>Time period</td><td>Applications accepted/received</td><td>Carbon footprint reports - Response rate</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1<sup>st</sup> call</td><td>28 Oct 2021 - 28 Jan 2022</td><td>69/75</td><td>36 - 52 %</td></tr><tr><td>2<sup>nd</sup> call</td><td>6 May - 6 July 2022</td><td>32/42</td><td>6 - 19 %</td></tr><tr><td>3<sup>rd</sup> call</td><td>10 Oct 2022 - 5 Jan 2023</td><td>42/64</td><td>23 - 55 %</td></tr><tr><td>4<sup>th</sup> call</td><td>27 Feb- 2 May 2023</td><td>21/30</td><td>10 - 48 %</td></tr><tr><td>5<sup>th</sup> call</td><td>12 July - 25 Sep 2023</td><td>39/51</td><td>24 - 62 %</td></tr><tr><td>6<sup>th</sup> call</td><td>22 Nov 2023 - 5 Feb 2024</td><td>9/17</td><td>5 - 56 %</td></tr><tr><td>7<sup>th</sup> call</td><td>15 Feb- 3 Apr 2024</td><td>42/52</td><td>23 - 55 %</td></tr><tr><td>Private sector</td><td>15 May- 31 Dec 2023</td><td>24/32</td><td>9 - 38 %</td></tr><tr><td>Training school on sensors & drones</td><td>11 - 15 Nov 2024</td><td>13/15</td><td>n.a.</td></tr><tr><td>Training school at AGORA</td><td>12 - 17 June 2023</td><td>16/32</td><td>n.a.</td></tr><tr><td>Fast Track call</td><td>Continuous</td><td>3/5</td><td>n.a.</td></tr><tr><td>Cal/Val</td><td>Continuous</td><td>3/3</td><td>n.a.</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td></td><td>313/418</td><td>136 - 48 % (average)</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_20.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
It should be noted that some of the pilot activities undertaken in WP4 - Training school at AGORA, Training school on sensors & drones - and WP9 - Fast Track call - used different feedback collection forms than the standard one used in PASS. This is due to the specific nature of those pilots. Such questionnaires did not include the carbon footprint section. Hence, data for these calls is missing. As indicated in Table 1 above, this represents a total of 32 users for which no CO2eq emissions have been taken into account.

Carbon emissions deriving from physical access

A detailed analysis of responses related to physical TNA access has been conducted by year, transport mode, and research facility.

The following bar chart shows CO2eq emissions per year.

<figure><img src="image_21.png" /><figcaption>Figure 3: Total kgCO2eq emissions of physical TNA projects per year</figcaption></figure>

No physical access occurred in **2021** due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Owing to continued and varied restrictions in response to COVID-19 measures, constraints on physical mobility were developed. So remote or hybrid access contingencies were advisable to consider.
Access resumed in **2022** and reached its peak in **2023-2024**.

No carbon footprint report was recorded in **2025** with reference to physical access (as of the reporting date). This is due to the fact that almost all the access calls foreseen in the project ended by the end of 2024 (see Table 1).

As shown in Figure 4, 71% of these accesses occurred by air travel, 15% by car, 13% by train, and only 1% by bus.

<figure><img src="image_22.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_23.png" /><figcaption>Figure 4: Percentage of travel mode by users for physical TNA project</figcaption></figure>

Figure 5 shows the frequency of air travel by distance covered. Sixty flights covered a distance between 1,000 and 3,500 km, corresponding to **65%** of the total. Fifteen flights covered a distance greater than 3,500 km, accounting for **16%** of the total, while eighteen flights covered less than 1,000 km, corresponding to **19%** of the total.

<figure><img src="image_24.png" /><figcaption>Figure 5: Frequency of air travel by distance covered.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_25.png" /></figure>
As regards train journeys were mainly: **41%** within neighboring countries and **35%** international routes.

Finally, the following table lists, in descending order, the research facilities with the highest number of physical accesses (among those which were listed in the monitoring tool) and their corresponding emission values.

<table><caption>Table 2: List of facilities by number of physical accesses (for which a carbon footprint questionnaire was submitted) and related carbon emissions.</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Facility</th><th rowspan="2">City (Country code)</th><th rowspan="2">N. of access</th><th colspan="2">Carbon footprint</th></tr><tr><th>Sum of all access (tons CO<sub>2eq</sub>)</th><th>Average per access (tons CO<sub>2eq</sub>)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>ATMOS</td><td>Athens (GR)</td><td>10</td><td>5.9</td><td>0.59</td></tr><tr><td>CESAR</td><td>Lopik (NL)</td><td>8</td><td>11.5</td><td>1.43</td></tr><tr><td>ChAMBRe</td><td>Genoa (IT)</td><td>8</td><td>5.0</td><td>0.63</td></tr><tr><td>SIRTA</td><td>Paris (FR)</td><td>8</td><td>3.3</td><td>0.42</td></tr><tr><td>AGORA</td><td>Granada (ES)</td><td>6</td><td>8.1</td><td>1.35</td></tr><tr><td>WOS</td><td>Warsaw (PL)</td><td>6</td><td>7.5</td><td>1.25</td></tr><tr><td>AIDA</td><td>Karlsruhe (DE)</td><td>5</td><td>2.9</td><td>0.59</td></tr><tr><td>BCN</td><td>Barcelona (ES)</td><td>5</td><td>8.9</td><td>1.78</td></tr><tr><td>CESAM</td><td>Paris (FR)</td><td>5</td><td>4.9</td><td>0.98</td></tr><tr><td>SMEAR II</td><td>Hyytiälä (FI)</td><td>5</td><td>7.1</td><td>1.42</td></tr><tr><td>ACD-C/LACIS-T</td><td>Leipzig (DE)</td><td>4</td><td>6.5</td><td>1.64</td></tr><tr><td>CMN-PV</td><td>Monte Cimone (IT)</td><td>4</td><td>6.1</td><td>1.53</td></tr><tr><td>FMI PAL-SOD</td><td>Muonio (FI)</td><td>4</td><td>4.6</td><td>1.15</td></tr><tr><td>KASC</td><td>Kuopio (FI)</td><td>4</td><td>6.9</td><td>1.72</td></tr><tr><td>USRL</td><td>Nicosia (CY)</td><td>4</td><td>4.1</td><td>1.02</td></tr><tr><td>ESC-Q-UAIC</td><td>Iasi (RO)</td><td>3</td><td>1.7</td><td>0.56</td></tr><tr><td>EUPHORE</td><td>Valencia (ES)</td><td>3</td><td>1.7</td><td>0.57</td></tr><tr><td>ISAF</td><td>La Orotava (ES)</td><td>3</td><td>7.4</td><td>2.47</td></tr><tr><td>LACROS*</td><td>Leipzig (DE)</td><td>3</td><td>3.6</td><td>1.21</td></tr><tr><td>PACS-C2</td><td>Villigen (CH)</td><td>3</td><td>0.50</td><td>0.17</td></tr><tr><td>QUAREC-ASC</td><td>Wuppertal (DE)</td><td>3</td><td>2.4</td><td>0.81</td></tr><tr><td>RADO</td><td>Magurele (RO)</td><td>3</td><td>2.1</td><td>0.70</td></tr><tr><td>SBO</td><td>Salzburg (AT)</td><td>3</td><td>0.98</td><td>0.33</td></tr><tr><td>AURA</td><td>Aarhus (DK)</td><td>2</td><td>1.3</td><td>0.64</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_26.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_27.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<table><tr><td>EVASO</td><td>Evora (PT)</td><td>2</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.31</td></tr><tr><td>FKL</td><td>Finokalia (GR)</td><td>2</td><td>0.69</td><td>0.35</td></tr><tr><td>HTM</td><td>Klippan (SE)</td><td>2</td><td>0.07</td><td>0.03</td></tr><tr><td>JFJ</td><td>Jungfraujoch (CH)</td><td>2</td><td>0.69</td><td>0.35</td></tr><tr><td>MAC</td><td>Manchester (UK)</td><td>2</td><td>1.3</td><td>0.66</td></tr><tr><td>SAPHIR/ SAPHIR-PLUS</td><td>Jülich (DE)</td><td>2</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.43</td></tr><tr><td>CIAO</td><td>Tito (IT)</td><td>1</td><td>0.5</td><td>0.50</td></tr><tr><td>CIGAS-CH</td><td>Duebendorf (CH)</td><td>1</td><td>0.13</td><td>0.13</td></tr><tr><td>IASC</td><td>Cork (IE)</td><td>1</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.58</td></tr><tr><td>MHD</td><td>Carna (IE)</td><td>1</td><td>1.20</td><td>1.20</td></tr><tr><td>NAOK</td><td>Košetice (CZ)</td><td>1</td><td>0.42</td><td>0.42</td></tr><tr><td>OPAR</td><td>La Réunion Island (FR)</td><td>1</td><td>1.04</td><td>1.04</td></tr><tr><td>WCCAP</td><td>Leipzig (DE)</td><td>1</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.81</td></tr><tr><td><strong>TOTAL</strong></td><td></td><td><strong>131</strong></td><td><strong>124.1</strong></td><td><strong>0.95</strong></td></tr></table>

In the future, it would be valuable to expand the scope of the analysis by considering the number of individuals users involved in each access project. This would allow for a more accurate estimation of the total number of users who travelled, whether individually or as part of a group. In this regard, it is recommended to systematically collect this indicator in future similar exercises.

Carbon emissions deriving from remote access

Remote access began in response to the restrictions adopted to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Prior to that, all accesses were exclusively physical. Since then, remote access has become increasingly frequent and effective. This trend was further supported by a dedicated remote-only call, specifically the 4th call, as reported in the following Figure 6.

<figure><img src="image_28.png" /></figure>

<footnote>* mobile facility</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_29.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<figure><img src="image_30.png" /><figcaption>Figure 6: List of ATMO-ACCESS calls scheduled in the period 2021-2025 (https://www.atmo-access.eu/).</figcaption></figure>

Regarding remote TNA accesses, Figure 7 shows the CO₂ equivalent emissions per year.

<figure><img src="image_31.png" /><figcaption>Figure 7: Total kgCO₂ emissions of remote TNA projects per year</figcaption></figure>

This estimate was made possible by quantifying the number of webcam sessions, total number of participants, and duration in minutes. Table 3 reports both the total and average values for all the calls considered. It is worth noting that in 2024 a pilot TNA targeting public authorities was organized in the form of two webinars gathering respectively 111 and 122 participants.

<figure><img src="image_32.png" /></figure>
<table><caption>Table 3: Total and average values of remote TNA projects in terms of number of participants, duration and carbon footprint</caption><thead><tr><th></th><th>N. of Participants</th><th>Duration (hours)</th><th>Carbon footprint (kgCO<sub>2eq</sub>)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Total values</th><td>474</td><td>623.5</td><td>48.8</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Average values per facility</th><td>7</td><td>9.31</td><td>0.73</td></tr></tbody></table>

Finally, the following table lists, in descending order, the research facilities with the highest number of remote accesses and their corresponding emission values.

<table><caption>Table 4: List of facilities by number of remote accesses (for which a carbon footprint questionnaire was completed) and carbon emissions</caption><thead><tr><th>Facility</th><th>N. of access</th><th>N° of users</th><th>Carbon footprint (tons CO<sub>2eq</sub>)</th><th>Average Carbon footprint per access (tons CO<sub>2eq</sub>)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>AGORA</td><td>6</td><td>41</td><td>4.41</td><td>0.73</td></tr><tr><td>WOS</td><td>5</td><td>25</td><td>6.74</td><td>1.35</td></tr><tr><td>CESAR</td><td>4</td><td>11</td><td>2.48</td><td>0.62</td></tr><tr><td>ChAMBRe</td><td>4</td><td>15</td><td>2.86</td><td>0.72</td></tr><tr><td>QUAREC-ASC</td><td>4</td><td>11</td><td>0.90</td><td>0.23</td></tr><tr><td>SIRTA</td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>1.89</td><td>0.47</td></tr><tr><td>BCN</td><td>3</td><td>10</td><td>2.01</td><td>0.67</td></tr><tr><td>CIGAS-CH</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>0.29</td><td>0.10</td></tr><tr><td>ISAF</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>1.90</td><td>0.63</td></tr><tr><td>RADO</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>4.07</td><td>1.36</td></tr><tr><td>ACD-C/LACIS-T</td><td>2</td><td>12</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.31</td></tr><tr><td>FMI PAL-SOD</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>0.05</td><td>0.03</td></tr><tr><td>KASC</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>0.36</td><td>0.18</td></tr><tr><td>MAC</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>0.34</td><td>0.17</td></tr><tr><td>PACS-C2</td><td>2</td><td>6</td><td>0.90</td><td>0.45</td></tr><tr><td>SAPHIR/SAPHIR-PLUS</td><td>2</td><td>6</td><td>0.96</td><td>0.48</td></tr><tr><td>USRL</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>2.44</td><td>1.22</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>Pilot for public authorities*</td><td>2</td><td>233</td><td>6.37</td><td>3.19</td></tr><tr><td>AIDA</td><td>1</td><td>15</td><td>3.63</td><td>3.63</td></tr><tr><td>ATMOS</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0.35</td><td>0.35</td></tr><tr><td>CAO</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>0.39</td><td>0.39</td></tr><tr><td>CESAM</td><td>1</td><td>8</td><td>2.44</td><td>2.44</td></tr><tr><td>CMN-PV</td><td>1</td><td>7</td><td>0.00</td><td>0.00</td></tr><tr><td>EUPHORE</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>0.06</td><td>0.06</td></tr><tr><td>EVASO</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0.00</td><td>0.00</td></tr><tr><td>IASC</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>0.33</td><td>0.33</td></tr><tr><td>LACROS</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>0.04</td><td>0.04</td></tr><tr><td>SBO</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0.26</td><td>0.26</td></tr><tr><td>SMEAR II</td><td>1</td><td>10</td><td>1.64</td><td>1.64</td></tr><tr><td>WCCAP</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0.04</td><td>0.04</td></tr><tr><td><strong>TOTAL</strong></td><td><strong>67</strong></td><td><strong>474</strong></td><td><strong>48.76</strong></td><td><strong>22.71</strong></td></tr></table>

## 4.2 Carbon emissions deriving from project meetings

This section presents the results of the carbon footprint assessment related to the ATMO-ACCESS project activities, meaning official project meetings (both physical and remote), as well as other physical or remote workshops, specific WP meetings, SSC (Steering Committee) and Strategic TNA and VA Board (STVB) meetings.

The following tables summarize the different types of project meetings which took place from the beginning of the project until April 2025. The response rate only applies to physical meetings, since for remote meetings, data was systematically included in the assessment by the Project Office (see section 3.1).

<table><caption>Table 5: ATMO-ACCESS official meetings from April 2021 to April 2025.</caption><thead><tr><td>Meeting</td><td>Dates</td><td>N° of participants</td><td>Type of meeting (physical/remote)</td><td>Carbon footprint reports - Response rate</td></tr></thead><tbody></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_33.png" /></figure>

<footnote>*The facilities PACC, BCN, CIGAS and SIRTA ACMCC were involved in the pilot for public authorities. Due to the specific nature of this TNA it has been kept separated from individual facilities in this table. Due to the limits of the monitoring tool, some lines indicate zero emissions, corresponding to very short meetings (less than 20 minutes).</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_34.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<table><tr><td>Kick-off meeting</td><td>10 - 12 May 2021</td><td>208</td><td>Remote</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>SSC and Task leader meeting</td><td>3 - 4 March 2022</td><td>14 in person; 61 remotely</td><td>Physical and remote</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>1st annual meeting</td><td>22 June 2022</td><td>5 in person; 65 remotely</td><td>Physical and remote</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>Mid-term Review Meeting</td><td>26 January 2023</td><td>15 in person; 4 remotely</td><td>Physical and remote</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>2nd annual meeting</td><td>29 - 31 Mar 2023</td><td>63 in person; 39 remotely</td><td>Physical and remote</td><td>98%</td></tr><tr><td>Extraordinary General Assembly</td><td>19 April 2023</td><td>40</td><td>Remote</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>3rd annual meeting</td><td>19 - 21 March 2024</td><td>63 in person; 32 remotely</td><td>Physical and remote</td><td>95%</td></tr><tr><td>4th annual meeting</td><td>31 March - 2nd April 2025</td><td>76 in person; 24 remotely</td><td>Physical and remote</td><td>46%</td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_35.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
<figure><img src="image_36.png" /><figcaption>Figure 8: ATMO-ACCESS SSC meetings from April 2021 to April 2025.</figcaption></figure>

For the SSC meetings on 31st March 2023, 21st March 2024 and 2nd April 2025, the carbon footprint of those travelling is comprised in their trip to participate in the annual meetings. The carbon footprint of those connected remotely is included in the overall emissions for remote meetings. Also, as already explained, data for remote participation was systematically added to the carbon footprint assessment tool by the Project Office after each meeting.

<table><caption>Table 6: ATMO-ACCESS other meetings from April 2021 to April 2025.</caption><thead><tr><td>Meeting</td><td>Dates</td><td>N° of participants</td><td>Type of meeting (physical/remote)</td><td>Carbon footprint reports - Response rate</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Meeting with</td><td>30 May 2022</td><td>28</td><td>Physical</td><td>100%</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_37.png" /></figure>

<footnote>(*) Meetings organized in a hybrid way, back-to-back with the annual meeting, with some of the members being online.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_38.png" /></figure>

<table><tr><td>other pilot projects</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WP9/WP11 Meeting</td><td>11 - 12 July 2022</td><td>7</td><td>Physical</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>Stakeholder workshop</td><td>27 Oct 2021</td><td>168</td><td>Remote</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Remote access workshop & Q/A session</td><td>7 Dec 2022</td><td>95</td><td>Remote</td><td>-</td></tr></table>

In addition to the meetings listed above, each Work Package carried out several online WP and task meetings, which were systematically included in the carbon footprint monitoring tool by the Project Office.

Finally, the STVB organized online meetings for the final selection of the retained TNA applications, for each TNA call opened during the project (see Table 1). Data from these online meetings was also included in the monitoring tool by the Project Office.

The following tables and figures aim to provide a visual representation of the emissions derived from the meetings listed above.

<table><caption>Table 7: Total CO₂eq emissions per year, for the project's physical and remote meetings.</caption><thead><tr><td>Year</td><td>Physical project meetings (tons CO₂eq)</td><td>Remote project meetings (kg CO₂eq)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2021</td><td>4.9</td><td>38.9</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>2.8</td><td>20.0</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>42.5</td><td>25.2</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>28.4</td><td>19.5</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>8.0</td><td>8.1</td></tr><tr><td>Total CO₂eq</td><td>86.6</td><td>111.5</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_39.png" /></figure>
Carbon emissions deriving from physical project meetings

Emissions derived from physical meetings account for the second main cause of emissions in the project (86 566 kgCO2eq, 41.1% of the total emissions). 96% of them are due to air travel, while the remaining 4% is divided between car (fuel and hybrid) and train travel. No trips were taken using the bus.

<figure><img src="image_40.png" /><figcaption>Figure 9: kgCO2 emissions per transportation mode (physical meetings). Total kgCO2 emissions for physical meetings are 86 566.</figcaption></figure>

Since the beginning of the project, it was decided to limit physical meetings, to carefully choose the essential ones and to prioritise online meetings when possible. Also, the project began in April 2021, when travelling was still deeply limited because of the COVID pandemic restrictions. Therefore, the consortium only met once per year for the official annual meeting, starting in 2022 (the kick-off meeting was organised online). The SSC and Task leaders' group only met once in 2021, in addition to the annual meetings.

When choosing meeting locations, the centrality of the location was considered, as well as the availability and logistical capacity of partners to host the meeting. Consequently, almost all the physical meetings took place in relatively central European locations: Grenoble and Toulouse (France), Brussels (Belgium), Wuppertal (Germany), and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2023, the only available partner to host the meeting was located in Valencia (Spain), therefore the meeting had to be organized in a less central European location. To minimise the impact, general meetings were often collocated with other meetings (RI committee in 2023, Atmospheric simulation chambers' in 2024 and CARGO-ACT stakeholder meeting in 2025).
<figure><img src="image_41.png" /></figure>

The table below reports the locations of all physical project meetings, the amount of CO₂eq emitted and the number of respondents to the environmental footprint questionnaire out of the total number of participants who were physically present at the meetings.

<table><caption>Table 8: Carbon footprint of the physical project meetings, according to the location. Note that column 3 corresponds to the number of responses to the questionnaire sent to participants. Some participants filled out multiple lines, corresponding to the different segments of their trip.</caption><thead><tr><td>Destination</td><td>N° of responses to the questionnaire</td><td>Carbon footprint (tons CO₂eq)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Toulouse</td><td>10</td><td>4.8</td></tr><tr><td>Grenoble</td><td>9</td><td>1.4</td></tr><tr><td>Rome</td><td>7</td><td>1.3</td></tr><tr><td>Brussels</td><td>10</td><td>3.2</td></tr><tr><td>Valencia</td><td>66</td><td>39.2</td></tr><tr><td>Wuppertal</td><td>57</td><td>28.3</td></tr><tr><td>Geneva</td><td>26</td><td>8.0</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>185</td><td>86.5</td></tr></tbody></table>

Table 9 provides an estimate based on the hypothesis that the meetings listed in Table 8 took place entirely remotely. In this case, the total tons CO₂eq emitted through the project meetings would have been 0.15, instead of 86.56.

<table><caption>Table 9: kgCO₂eq emitted in the hypothetical situation in which all project meetings had taken place in an entirely remote mode.</caption><thead><tr><td>Destination</td><td>N° of participants</td><td>Carbon footprint (kgCO₂eq) in case of full remote participation</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Toulouse</td><td>75</td><td>14.58</td></tr><tr><td>Grenoble</td><td>28</td><td>4.12</td></tr><tr><td>Rome</td><td>7</td><td>1.07</td></tr><tr><td>Brussels</td><td>19</td><td>2.81</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_42.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_43.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<table><tr><td>Valencia</td><td>102</td><td>49.52</td></tr><tr><td>Wuppertal</td><td>95</td><td>46.13</td></tr><tr><td>Geneva</td><td>100</td><td>33.98</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total</strong></td><td><strong>426</strong></td><td><strong>152.24</strong></td></tr></table>

Finally, it should be noted that carbon emissions linked to communication and dissemination activities (i.e.: conference attendance) linked to WP2 have not been accounted for in the tool. The WP2 members took advantage of sending communication materials (flyers, roll up) to the people already attending conferences or events to support project dissemination activities, instead of travelling themselves.

## Carbon emissions deriving from remote project meetings

Emissions derived from remote project meetings account for 0.05% of the total project's emissions (111.48 kgCO₂eq in total). As with remote TNA, this estimate was made possible by quantifying the total number of participants, meeting duration, as well as whether webcams or screen sharing were used. These calculations were performed following the Greenspector methodology as detailed in ATMO-ACCESS Milestone 56 [5]. Long meetings (more than 3 hours) with a large number of participants created the most emissions. Examples include the project's Kick-off meeting, the annual meetings and stakeholders' sessions.

Developing online or hybrid meetings has been a guiding principle in ATMO-ACCESS to allow for more flexible and inclusive participation and reduce travel emissions. While in-person meetings remained necessary for beneficiaries' engagement and live discussions, a remote option was offered where online participants could join the discussions via chat, talk and interactive tools like Slido for polls.

To assess the environmental benefits of remote/hybrid participation, we modeled a hypothetical scenario in which all participants of the 2023 Valencia Annual meeting traveled to attend the project meetings in person. This meeting was chosen as it was the hybrid meeting with the most remote participants. Based on average travel distances and modes of transport (e.g. flights / trains) from each participant's institution to the meeting location, we estimate that the total carbon footprint would have increased by approximately 23 262 kg CO₂eq, representing a 59.3% increase compared to the actual meeting emissions (see Figure 10 below). This analysis highlights the substantial emissions that can be avoided through hybrid meeting formats.

<figure><img src="image_44.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
<figure><img src="image_45.png" /><figcaption>Figure 9: Graph illustrating the scenario of a fully physical annual meeting (all participants travelling based on data from the Valencia annual meeting) vs the actual hybrid meeting emissions, highlighting the avoided CO2eq emissions.</figcaption></figure>

While some meetings - such as the SSC or WP-specific ones - were clearly intended to be remote from the beginning of the project, the option of holding others online or onsite was still under consideration. This was notably the case for the STVB meetings reviewing TNA applications. The first meeting was supposed to take place in Bologna (Italy) in 2022 but for several reasons it was finally held remotely, as were the next seven ones all along the project. We have thus estimated the emissions resulting from organizing this STVB as a physical meeting: 1980 kgCO2eq versus a remote one 1.86 kgCO2eq.

## 5. Avoidance initiatives

Avoiding and reducing GHG emissions is a fundamental pillar of climate action, and ATMO-ACCESS has explored and tested several avoidance strategies throughout the project lifecycle. These initiatives aimed to minimise the carbon footprint of research activities without compromising scientific quality or inclusiveness.

The following strategies and actions were implemented or considered during the project:

### 5.1 Emissions Avoidance Decision Tree

A decision tree for emissions avoidance [9] was developed to support project partners in evaluating the environmental impact of their operational choices. This tool provided structured guidance on:
<figure><img src="image_46.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

* Whether physical presence in meetings was necessary or could be replaced by virtual alternatives

* The most sustainable mode of transport available

* Criteria for selecting event locations to minimise collective travel emissions

* Options for grouping activities to reduce frequency of travel

This framework served as both a practical tool and an awareness-raising device, encouraging participants to consider emissions before planning activities.

This tool, together with the whole ATMO-ACCESS sustainable approach was also promoted in the additional material of the Massive Open Online Course "Atmospheric Research Infrastructures: Sharing the future of our atmosphere" [10] developed in the frame of WP4, task 4.3. The material is used in the section called "Activities: A Journey into Atmospheric Science & You!", inviting the trainees to see how they can act and reduce their carbon footprint. The two sessions of the MOOC were followed by 564 users, and this is part of the project awareness raising on the topic.

## 5.2 Promotion of remote participation

ATMO-ACCESS encouraged the use of remote participation technologies for meetings, workshops, and training activities wherever feasible. This led to:

* A reduction in travel-related emissions, particularly for international project meetings with only one large physical meeting per year

* Broader inclusivity and accessibility for participants unable to travel

* Increased familiarity and acceptance of hybrid formats, now considered standard for EU-funded initiatives

The experience also highlighted the need to balance remote and in-person formats, especially for activities requiring hands-on engagement or interpersonal trust-building.

## 5.3 Sustainable meeting organisation

When physical meetings were necessary, their locations were selected to reduce total travel emissions by:

* Choosing geographically central or well-connected locations

* Taking advantage of rail connectivity over short- and medium-distance flights

* Prioritising co-location with other events to reduce redundant travel

<figure><img src="image_47.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
Some project meetings were aligned with broader research community gatherings (e.g., ACTRIS weeks), enabling multiple objectives to be fulfilled with a single trip.

Furthermore, as suggested by some project beneficiaries during the kick-off meeting, attention was paid to always offering vegetarian options during the project meetings. Lunch breaks were fully vegetarian during all the physical annual meetings (Valencia 2023, Wuppertal 2024, Geneva 2025). Indeed, it is well-known that the consumption of animal-based food has a major impact on the planet. In particular, livestock emissions account for roughly 32% of human-caused methane emissions [11].

A limited number of flyers was printed throughout the course of the project, and only for very specific initiatives such as participation in conferences (EGU, ACTRIS Science Conference, European Aerosol conference). No goodies were purchased, to avoid the production of unnecessary objects.

### 5.4 Remote access to RI services

A key innovation tested within ATMO-ACCESS was the provision of remote transnational access (RA). This approach enabled users to conduct experiments or access data without the need for physical travel, through:

* Remote control of instruments and sensors

* Delegated measurements performed by on-site staff

* Virtual data analysis platforms

While not universally applicable, this modality proved effective in certain domains and was well-received by users. Future RI programmes may further integrate RA as a standard offer, reducing emissions and broadening access, even if this modality implies a high commitment from the provider's side in terms of human resources.

### 5.5 Cross-fertilisation with other RI projects

ATMO-ACCESS engaged in knowledge exchange with other EU-funded RI initiatives, including:

* **INSTRUCT-ERIC** [12], which has promoted virtual training and remote services in structural biology

* **ICOS**, which integrates emissions monitoring directly into infrastructure operations and promotes low-carbon research practices

* **eLTER** [13] and **ACTRIS**, which are piloting strategies for sustainability and environmental management at their sites

<figure><img src="image_48.png" /></figure>
* eRImote [14] project which participated in the workshop on remote access organised in December 2022 to prepare the call for remote and hybrid access.

These collaborations enhanced the project's awareness of sectoral best practices and contributed to a shared community approach to emission reduction.

## 6. Conclusions and Recommendations

The ATMO-ACCESS project has demonstrated the feasibility and added value of integrating carbon footprint assessment and mitigation plans within a European RI initiative. As a pilot project, it was meant to test both the practical aspects of monitoring GHG emissions and the cultural shift required within the RI community to embrace climate responsibility as an integral part of research excellence.

### 6.1 Summary of key findings

* Project-related emissions were mainly associated with **travel for project meetings and transnational access activities**, confirming the relevance of mobility as a primary impact area.

* The development of a **dedicated (user-friendly and open access) monitoring tool** allowed for consistent data collection and transparent emissions estimation among partners.

* The introduction of **avoidance strategies**, including remote access, hybrid meeting formats, and careful location planning, led to measurable emission reductions and allowed broader participation (without affecting the quality of the research).

* Being a test and pilot initiative, it was decided to focus the exercise on **transnational access and not on virtual access**. This decision was mainly justified by the fact that data coming from TNA users would be easier to collect and in a higher number. Also, in 2021 when the monitoring tool was developed, more literature was available on the conversion of travels into CO2 equivalent emissions, while it was not possible to establish a well-defined methodology for the monitoring of emissions from VA services. In between, the awareness of the environmental impact of virtual tools has increased and more accurate tools were developed to measure such impact. Therefore, it is recommended that future similar exercises also consider in their perimeter the emissions derived from VA provision, in order to have a more comprehensive view of the environmental footprint of this type of EU project.

* Data completeness and engagement by all beneficiaries varied significantly, highlighting the need for clearer expectations, awareness and support from the beginning. This

<figure><img src="image_49.png" /></figure>
proves that emissions monitoring should not be an optional activity: it requires a formal
place in the project's structure, timeline and budget.

## 6.2 Strategic recommendations for the future

### 1. Institutionalise Carbon Accounting in Future RI Projects

* Carbon footprint assessment and measures to reduce the environmental impact should be required to become a formal task or work package in all large-scale research infrastructure EU projects, and it should be explicitly included in EU calls. This would ensure greater visibility and a deeper engagement from all beneficiaries.

* Dedicated resources and staff time must be allocated to ensure robust data collection and analysis.

### 2. Adopt the Principle of Climate Sobriety

* Future RI investments should be guided by the principle of "climate sobriety": minimising environmental impacts while maintaining scientific value.

* This implies avoiding unnecessary facility duplication, favouring efficient facility sharing, and discouraging excessive travel for activities that can be conducted remotely (see "ATMO-ACCESS Decision Tree of GHG Emissions Avoidance Actions" [9] for guidance).

* Remote access provision should not automatically imply new investments to replace or update existing IT equipment. Existing material should be used for remote access provision when possible; if necessary, investing in IT should be well thought out and limited to essential tools. Solutions for reconditioned IT equipment should always be encouraged.

### 3. Integrate Sustainability Criteria into Access Provision

* Transnational access schemes should include guidance and incentives for low-emission travel, remote services, and green site practices.

* Evaluation panels may consider the carbon footprint of proposed user activities, alongside scientific merit and feasibility. Projects which clearly highlight their commitment to include the environmental aspect in their objectives, and which show an effort to use alternative transportation than flying, could receive additional financial support.

* In the case of similar initiatives to measure the carbon footprint of access provision, providing data related to travelling or to remote connection should become mandatory for users. These should be reimbursed only after fulfilling all post-access requirements, among which filling in the carbon footprint questionnaire.

<figure><img src="image_50.png" /></figure>
* Additional communication efforts should be made towards users, to highlight the importance of the carbon footprint aspect in TNA projects, especially during the advertisement campaigns.

* Access providers should also be encouraged to promote TNA projects which are particularly attentive to the environmental impact. Simple actions like providing detailed transportation information on how to reach their site with alternative options than flying, could help users (who are often unfamiliar with the local transportation modes) to choose low-carbon options.

4. Foster a Culture of Sustainability in the RI Community

* Training, awareness-raising, and peer exchange should be promoted to build a shared understanding of climate impacts among researchers, RI managers, and users.

* Sustainability is often seen as an added value for science, while it should be more openly considered a basic dimension of scientific integrity (as already mentioned in the "European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity" [15], section 1 and subsection 2.4), aligning with the broader mission of research to serve society.

5. Support Policy Alignment and Cross-Project Learning

* The European Commission and RI stakeholders should continue to support the harmonisation of methodologies for carbon accounting in science. Initiatives such as the French Labos 1point 5 [16] or the EFEU [17] should be put forward and used as standard references for measuring the environmental impact of science and for promoting a massive switch in the way science is performed.

* Lessons from ATMO-ACCESS should inform future framework programmes and initiatives such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), ERICs, and the ESFRI Roadmap.

In conclusion, the experience of ATMO-ACCESS demonstrates that RIs can be powerful actors not only in observing climate change, but also in leading by example toward a low-carbon, sustainable scientific ecosystem. Embedding environmental responsibility into the core logic of RI design, access, and operations is not only feasible, but also essential. This shift is increasingly expected by both funding bodies and society at large.

References

[1] The Paris Agreement: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

[2] The European Green Deal: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

<figure><img src="image_51.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_52.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

[3] European Commission 2050 long-term strategy on climate neutrality: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/climate-strategies-targets/2050-long-term-strategy_en

[4] Erica Zaja, Matilde Oliveri, Ariane Dubost. ATMO-ACCESS GHG Emissions Monitoring and Avoidance Strategy. CNRS. 2021. [hal-04735427]

[5] The UN Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

[6] ISO 14064: https://www.iso.org/home.html

[7] ADEME French Agency for Ecological Transition: https://www.ademe.fr/en/frontpage/

[8] IPCC Guidelines: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/2019-refinement-to-the-2006-ipcc-guidelines-for-national-greenhouse-gas-inventories/

[9] ATMO-ACCESS Decision Tree of GHG Emissions Avoidance Actions: https://wp1.aeris-data.fr/wp-content-aeris/uploads/sites/82/2021/07/DecisionTree-1.pdf

[10] ATMO-ACCESS Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Atmospheric Research Infrastructures: https://www.atmo-access.eu/massive-open-online-course-mooc/

[11] UN Environment programme: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/methane-emissions-are-driving-climate-change-heres-how-reduce-them

[12] INSTRUCT ERIC: https://instruct-eric.org/

[13] eLTER: https://elter-ri.eu/

[14] eRImote: https://erimote.eu/home

[15] European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/european-code-of-conduct-for-research-integrity_horizon_en.pdf

[16] Labos 1point5: https://labos1point5.org/

[17] Emission Free European Universities: https://www.dhbw-stuttgart.de/forschung-transfer/technik/projekte/efeu/

<figure><img src="image_53.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
## Annex 1

Snapshot of one of the tabs composing the Excel file for data collection and conversion into carbon footprint. The column referring to the name of the person filling the line was hidden for GDPR reasons.

<table><thead><tr><th colspan="10">Institutional Physical</th></tr><tr><th rowspan="2">Activity</th><th rowspan="2">Name of event</th><th rowspan="2">Year</th><th rowspan="2">Travel mode</th><th colspan="2">country code</th><th colspan="4">Distance calculator</th><th rowspan="2">Carbon footprint (l)</th></tr><tr><th>Amount Departure</th><th>Arrival</th><th>One way Distance</th><th>Tr Tot km</th><th>Adjusted dis</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Car(fuel)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>375,86</td><td>751,72</td><td>977,236</td><td>229,06</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Athens</td><td>GR</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>1970,00</td><td>3940</td><td>4035</td><td>754,55</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Oslo</td><td>NO</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>2005,00</td><td>2045</td><td>2140</td><td>400,18</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Brussels</td><td>BE</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>842,00</td><td>1684</td><td>1779</td><td>458,98</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Cork</td><td>IE</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>1907,00</td><td>3814</td><td>3909</td><td>730,98</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Lille</td><td>FR</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>2000,00</td><td>4000</td><td>4095</td><td>1056,51</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Basel</td><td>CH</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>648</td><td>1296</td><td>1391</td><td>358,88</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Valencia</td><td>ES</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>1491</td><td>2982</td><td>3077</td><td>575,40</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leader meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>382</td><td>764</td><td>859</td><td>221,62</td></tr><tr><td>SSC meeting</td><td>SSC and Task leaders meet</td><td>2021</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Warsaw</td><td>PL</td><td>Toulouse</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>250</td><td>500</td><td>595</td><td>111,27</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(national&lt;200km)</td><td>I</td><td>Lyon</td><td>FR</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>One way</td><td>94</td><td>94</td><td>112,8</td><td>2,03</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Car(fuel)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>278</td><td>556</td><td>722,8</td><td></td><td>169,42</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Car(fuel)</td><td>I</td><td>Marseille</td><td>FR</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>319</td><td>638</td><td>829,4</td><td>194,41</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Cambridge</td><td>GB</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>885</td><td>1770</td><td>2124</td><td>78,59</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Cambridge</td><td>GB</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>885</td><td>1770</td><td>2124</td><td>78,59</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Cambridge</td><td>GB</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>885</td><td>1770</td><td>2124</td><td>78,59</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>Meeting with other pilots</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Cambridge</td><td>GB</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>885</td><td>1770</td><td>2124</td><td>78,59</td></tr><tr><td>annual meeting</td><td>ATMO Meeting 2022</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(national&gt;200km)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>348,8</td><td>697,6</td><td>837,12</td><td></td><td>2,51</td></tr><tr><td>annual meeting</td><td>ATMO Meeting 2022</td><td>2022</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Oslo</td><td>NO</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>2125</td><td>4250</td><td>4345</td><td>812,52</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(national&gt;200km)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Paris</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>418</td><td>836</td><td>1003,2</td><td></td><td>3,01</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Paris</td><td>FR</td><td>Rome</td><td>IT</td><td>Return</td><td>1242</td><td>2484</td><td>2579</td><td>482,27</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Rome</td><td>IT</td><td>Return</td><td>867</td><td>1734</td><td>2080,8</td><td></td><td>76,99</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Paris</td><td>FR</td><td>Return</td><td>346</td><td>692</td><td>787</td><td></td><td>203,05</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Paris</td><td>FR</td><td>Rome</td><td>IT</td><td>Return</td><td>1107</td><td>2214</td><td>2309</td><td>431,78</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Train(national&gt;200km)</td><td>I</td><td>Pisa</td><td>IT</td><td>Rome</td><td>IT</td><td>Return</td><td>265</td><td>530</td><td>636</td><td>1,91</td></tr><tr><td>WP specific meeting</td><td>WP9 /WP11 Meeting July 21</td><td>2022</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Napoli</td><td>IT</td><td>Rome</td><td>IT</td><td>Return</td><td>186</td><td>372</td><td>467</td><td>120,49</td></tr><tr><td>midterm review</td><td>Mid-Term Review Meeting</td><td>2023</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Clermont Fer FR</td><td>Brussels</td><td>BE</td><td>Return</td><td>610,71</td><td>1221,42</td><td>1465,704</td><td></td><td>54,23</td></tr><tr><td>midterm review</td><td>Mid-Term Review Meeting</td><td>2023</td><td>Train(international)</td><td>I</td><td>Grenoble</td><td>FR</td><td>BE</td><td>Return</td><td>745,94</td><td>1491,88</td><td>1790,256</td><td></td><td>66,24</td></tr><tr><td>midterm review</td><td>Mid-Term Review Meeting</td><td>2023</td><td>Air(1000-3500km)</td><td>I</td><td>Warsaw</td><td>PL</td><td>Brussels</td><td>BE</td><td>Return</td><td>1164</td><td>2328</td><td>2423</td><td>453,10</td></tr><tr><td>midterm review</td><td>Mid-Term Review Meeting</td><td>2023</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Manchester</td><td>GB</td><td>Brussels</td><td>BE</td><td>Return</td><td>536,08</td><td>1072,16</td><td>1167,16</td><td>301,13</td></tr><tr><td>midterm review</td><td>Mid-Term Review Meeting</td><td>2023</td><td>Air(&lt;1000km)</td><td>I</td><td>Cork</td><td>IE</td><td>Brussels</td><td>BE</td><td>Return</td><td>896,59</td><td>1793,18</td><td>1888,18</td><td>487,15</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_54.png" /></figure>
## Annex 2

Table summarising the information that users were required to provide in each Excel sheet, divided per type of activity (physical project meetings, remote project meetings, physical access, remote access).

<table><thead><tr><td>Information type</td><td>Description</td><td>Physical meetings</td><td>Remote meetings</td><td>Physical access</td><td>Remote access</td><td>Purchases</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Type of activity</td><td>For project meetings, a dropdown list allowed to choose between all types of meetings, such as SSC meeting, WP meeting, annual meeting, mid-term review meeting, etc. For TNA projects, the list allowed to choose between access services, such as access to observational facilities, simulation chambers, mobile platforms and central facilities.</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Name of the person filling the line (optional)</td><td></td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td></tr></tbody></table>
<figure><img src="image_55.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

<table><tr><td>Name of the event</td><td></td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Year</td><td>For TNA projects, it indicated the year in which the application was submitted (as the carbon footprint questionnaire did not ask about the actual dates in which the access took place,</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Travel mode</td><td>Through a dropdown list, the choice was given between the following modes:<ul><li>Car (fuel)</li><li>Car (hybrid)</li><li>Car (electric)</li><li>Train national &lt; 200km</li><li>Train national &gt; 200km</li><li>Train (international)</li><li>Train (neighbouring countries)</li><li>Air (&lt; 1000km)</li><li>Air (1001 - 3500 km)</li></ul></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_56.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu
<figure><img src="image_57.png" /></figure>

<table><tr><td></td><td><ul><li>Air (&gt; 3500km)</li><li>Bus</li></ul></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amount of identical trips</td><td>This question was asked in order to avoid the repetition of identical lines in the Excel, in the case of multiple passengers in the same transport mode (e.g. 3 passengers taking the same train)</td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Departure city</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Departure country</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Arrival city</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Arrival country</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>One way/return trip</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Distance travelled (in km)</td><td>To help filling this column, a distance calculator tool was</td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_58.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_59.png" /></figure>

<table><tr><td></td><td>linked<br/>(https://www.distance.to/)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total kilometres travelled</td><td>An automated formula calculated the total distance, based on whether it was a one-way or a return trip</td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Adjusted distance</td><td>An automated formula allowed to adjust the distance, based on the selected travel mode (see above)</td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Participants number</td><td>Number of persons connected in the conference call</td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Duration (in minutes)</td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Webcam on/off</td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Screen sharing on/off</td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td>X</td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_60.png" /></figure>
<table><tr><td>Facility providing access</td><td>A dropdown list allowed to choose between the 64 facilities providing access in the project</td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Name of the project</td><td>Meaning the TNA project title or the TNA project's application code from the PASS platform</td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Call</td><td>A dropdown list of all the calls opened during the project</td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Purchase type</td><td>A dropdown list allowed to choose between computer, tablet, speaker, TV, projector, server, screen, modem.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Purchase details</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amount of identical purchased items</td><td>This question was asked in order to avoid the repetition of identical lines in the Excel, in the case of a purchase</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_61.png" /></figure>
<table><tr><td></td><td>including multiple times the same identical object</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Purchaser</td><td>Beneficiary paying for the purchase</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Carbon footprint</td><td>An automated formula calculated the equivalent of CO2 emissions, by multiplying the adjusted travelled distance/online connections by the appropriate emission factor. For purchases, the formula calculated the equivalent of CO2 emissions based on emissions factors per each purchase type</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td></tr><tr><td>Uncertainty</td><td>An automated formula calculated the emission factor uncertainty percentage for each transport mode/connection/purchase</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td><td>X</td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_62.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_63.png" /></figure>

ATMO ACCESS
Access to Atmospheric Research Facilities

type, as well as the data
collection uncertainty (survey)

<figure><img src="image_64.png" /></figure>

This work has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020
research and innovation programme through the ATMO-ACCESS Integrating
Activity under grant agreement No 101008004

atmo-access.eu