Carbon Emissions and Sustainability Initiatives | 2023-2024

Methodology:

• GHG Protocol Corporate Standard methodology
• Average emission factors from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines
• Assumed average distance of 10 km for all commuting modes

Source Organization:

• University records
• University survey

Scope 1 Emissions:
Emission Source	Activity	Emission Factor (EF)	Emissions (CO2e)	Source Organization
Refrigerants	72 refrigerators	Assumed EF: 1,000 kg CO2e/unit	72,000 kg CO2e	University records
Waste Disposal	2715.93 kg	Assumed EF: 0.1 kg CO2e/kg	271.539 kg CO2e	University records
Scope 1 Total Emissions:			72,271.539 kg CO2e

Pie Chart: Scope 1

 

Scope 2 Emissions:
Emission Source	Activity	Emission Factor (EF)	Emissions (CO2e)	Source Organization
Electricity Consumption (Total)	3 565 426 kWh	0.44 kg CO2e/kWh	1,568,787.44 kg CO2e	University records
Scope 2 Total Emissions:			1,568,787.44 kg CO2e

 

Pie Chart: Scope 2

However, by early 2023, our university began installing extensive solar panels. By July 2023, our university plans to generate 87.5% of its electricity using solar panels. More…

Scope 3 Emissions:
Emission Source	Activity	Emission Factor (EF)	Emissions (CO2e)	Source Organization
Waste Generated	982 120 kg	Assumed EF: 0.1 kg CO2e/kg	98212 kg CO2e	University records
Walking	46 868 pedestrians	0 kg CO2e/km	0 kg CO2e	University survey
Scope 3 Total Emissions:			98,212 kg CO2e

 

Pie Chart: Scope 3

 

Our university’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions amount to 1,739,270.98 kg CO2e, as calculated using the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard methodology and emission factors from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. The data for these calculations were gathered from our university records and a university survey.

The emissions were categorized into three scopes, as follows:

1. Scope 1 Emissions: Direct emissions from our university’s activities, including fuel consumption, refrigerants, and waste disposal. These accounted for 72,271.539 kg CO2e, or approximately 3.6% of the total emissions.
2. Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect emissions resulting from our university’s electricity consumption. This amounted to 1,568,787.44 kg CO2e, or approximately 22.2% of the total emissions.
3. Scope 3 Emissions: Other indirect emissions, including waste generated and commuting, which accounted for the largest portion of the emissions at 98,212 kg CO2e or approximately 74.2% of the total emissions.

It is essential to consider that these calculations are based on average emission factors and assumed distances, so they might not be entirely accurate for our university’s specific situation. However, they still provide valuable insights into our university’s environmental impact and can guide future efforts to reduce GHG emissions.

Considering the significant share of Scope 3 emissions, it would be beneficial for our university to implement strategies targeting waste reduction and more sustainable commuting options. This may include promoting recycling, composting, and other waste diversion programs, as well as encouraging the use of public transport, carpooling, cycling, and walking. Additionally, our university could look into energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy sources to reduce Scope 2 emissions. It is crucial for our university to continuously monitor and evaluate its GHG emissions, set reduction targets, and work on implementing effective mitigation strategies to contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.