Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-2015

Abstract

This report, assembled by graduate students Philip McConnell, Judy Baker, Megan Morrissey, 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 2012. This period begins July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2012. As the fourth such biennial report CERE has issued, it compares the findings with those derived from 2010, 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 2012 were 47,501.95 metric tonnes of eCO2 before offsets and 39,203.31 metric tonnes of eCO2 after factoring in offsets. This represents an overall decrease from the previous inventory, and a decrease in the per-student footprint to 3.92 metric tonnes of eCO2. This total is respectable in comparison to other universities that have completed GHG emissions reports.

While Duquesne has taken substantial steps to keep its carbon footprint low, it is possible that emissions can be reduced further. Several methods that could be expanded upon to reduce Duquesne’s GHG emissions are enhanced energy efficiency, additional purchase of renewable energy, changes in commuting habits. The campus continues to make strides in energy efficiency by purchasing efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances, constructing LEED-certified buildings, 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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