Sadaf Tehmina

Defense Date

12-10-2014

Graduation Date

Spring 2015

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS

Department

Environmental Science and Management (ESM)

Committee Chair

John Stolz

Committee Member

Robert Sroufe

Committee Member

Michael Irwin

Committee Member

Stanley Kabala

Committee Member

Risa Kumazawa

Keywords

Climate action plan, Climate change, Greenhouse gas emissions, Greenhouse gas inventories, Institutions of higher education, Mitigation

Abstract

Despite hundreds of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) pledging action against climate change, there is little research on how to effectively enable these initiatives. This study utilizes a survey to analyze the role of greenhouse gas inventories (GHGI) in climate change mitigation within IHE. Among 62 responses, 46 indicated GHGI was helpful in decisions regarding emission reduction measures; 54 reported having a climate action plan (CAP) or sustainability policy (SP); 49 used GHGI in forming the CAP/SP. 95% of the respondents signed the ACUPCC pledge. When GHGI was used the IHE was more likely to have higher emission reductions (above 10%) than when the GHGI was not (10% and below). GHGI helped institutions in: identifying sources and quantifying emissions; saving costs; monitoring emissions reduction; raising awareness about climate change; and teaching. This study suggests how IHE stakeholders can better enable GHGIs and implement impactful climate change initiatives.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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