Document Type

Report

Publication Date

5-2012

Abstract

This report, assembled by graduate students Josh Snedden, Talisha Cox, and Patrick McKee of the Center for Environmental Research and Education (CERE), under the direction of Dr. Stanley Kabala, presents the results of an inventory of Duquesne University’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in fiscal year 2010. This begins July 1, 2009 and ends June 1, 2010. As the third such biennial report CERE has issued, it compares the findings with those derived from 2008 and 2006 data and assesses trends in Duquesne’s GHG emissions. Additionally, the report discusses options for further reducing Duquesne’s carbon footprint in the future.

Duquesne University’s total GHG emissions for fiscal year 2010 were 50,463.3 metric tonnes of eCO2 , before offsets, and 42,044.4 metric tonnes of eCO2 after factoring in offsets. This amounts to 4.05 metric tonnes eCO2 per student. This is a respectable total in comparison to other universities that have compiled GHG emissions reports, but was a 0.05 metric tonne increase per student from 2008.

While Duquesne has taken substantial steps to keep its carbon footprint low, it is possible that emissions can be reduced further. Enhanced energy efficiency, additional purchase of renewable energy, changes in commuting habits, and the purchase of additional offsets are several methods that could be expanded upon to reduce Duquesne’s GHG emissions. The campus is continuing to make strides in energy efficiency by purchasing efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances, installing motion activated lights in rooms around the campus, as well as educating students about the importance of energy conservation. The potential for harboring renewable energy on campus (i.e. solar panels) is also a very real possibility; green roofs and green buildings are also attainable options to reduce our carbon footprint.

Description

Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Duquesne University

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