University of the Pacific Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2006-2009

Poster Number

48

Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract/Artist Statement

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are accumulating in the atmosphere and contributing to the “greenhouse effect” and a changing climate. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) scientific consensus indicates that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide are primarily due to human activities. In its recent efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness on campus, as well as to establish a baseline for change, the University of the Pacific developed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the Stockton campus. The purpose of this inventory is to identify key areas in the university operations where simple, efficient, and cost-effective emissions reductions may be possible. Data for fiscal years 2006 through 2009 were available and collected during the summer and fall of 2009. Pacific’s Stockton campus emissions were calculated using data such as electricity usage, study abroad air-travel, solid waste generation, and campus commuting habits. Total greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using the Clean Air-Cool Planet Campus Calculator based on the collected institutional data and emissions coefficients from the Fourth Assessment Report released by the IPCC (2007). Results indicate that Pacific’s Stockton campus exhibits an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions over the past 4 fiscal years. In 2009, the campus emitted approximately 21,930 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. Normalized to student population, this is equal to approximately 5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per student. Compared to other educational institutions of similar size and profile, Pacific’s total emissions and emissions per student are average.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B

Start Date

1-5-2010 1:00 PM

End Date

1-5-2010 3:00 PM

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May 1st, 1:00 PM May 1st, 3:00 PM

University of the Pacific Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2006-2009

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are accumulating in the atmosphere and contributing to the “greenhouse effect” and a changing climate. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) scientific consensus indicates that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide are primarily due to human activities. In its recent efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness on campus, as well as to establish a baseline for change, the University of the Pacific developed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the Stockton campus. The purpose of this inventory is to identify key areas in the university operations where simple, efficient, and cost-effective emissions reductions may be possible. Data for fiscal years 2006 through 2009 were available and collected during the summer and fall of 2009. Pacific’s Stockton campus emissions were calculated using data such as electricity usage, study abroad air-travel, solid waste generation, and campus commuting habits. Total greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using the Clean Air-Cool Planet Campus Calculator based on the collected institutional data and emissions coefficients from the Fourth Assessment Report released by the IPCC (2007). Results indicate that Pacific’s Stockton campus exhibits an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions over the past 4 fiscal years. In 2009, the campus emitted approximately 21,930 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. Normalized to student population, this is equal to approximately 5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per student. Compared to other educational institutions of similar size and profile, Pacific’s total emissions and emissions per student are average.