The Potential Environmental Impact of Academic Mobility—A Case Study on Life Cycle Assessment in the Context of a University

This study aims to present the results of an assessment of the potential environmental impact resulting from the annual journeys made by members of the Poznań University of Economics and Business community. Based on the survey results, transport profiles were drawn up for four community groups: teaching staff, administrative staff, full-time students, and part-time students. This was followed by a life cycle impact assessment using the Environmental Footprint 3.1 method. This paper presents the assumptions of the analysis, life cycle inventory results, and life cycle impact assessment results. Six impact categories were identified as most relevant: climate change, resource use (fossils), resource use (minerals and metals), particulate matter, acidification, and photochemical ozone formation. The study found that the four groups of respondents differed in terms of the impact of their commutes to work on the environment. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) made it possible to assess their environmental impact and compare it according to various parameters (a mix of own passenger cars, a mix of means of transportation, a yearly distance, and a size of the groups). The results obtained formed the basis for formulating proposals for further actions aimed at developing sustainable mobility within the university. These proposals were dedicated to specific groups within the university community. The usefulness of the LCA method as a tool to support decision-making in the university’s environmental policy is also demonstrated.