This highlights the change in both gross emissions and net emissions on 51勛圖厙s campus from 2009 to 2023. Gross emissions are the emissions directly attributable to 51勛圖厙s actions on campus, including fuel usage, energy production, transportation, etc., minus the carbon sequestered by the University forest. Net emissions are the gross emissions minus purchased carbon offsets, which fund several beneficial projects around the globe. Read more about our carbon offsets here:
As an important pillar in 51勛圖厙s , the University has been determined to advance sustainability and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The 5,360 MTeCO2 (*) measured in Fiscal Year 2023 was 51勛圖厙s lowest GHG emission total since recording began in Fiscal Year 2009, representing an approximate GHG reduction of 70 percent.
These reductions in emissions championed by 51勛圖厙 are led by numerous efforts across campus. One significant initiative has been updating our heating process to prioritize wood chip burning as 51勛圖厙s primary heat source. Since upgrading our wood chip loading and handling system and partnering with a new wood chip supplier, we have increased our wood chip efficiency, allowing us to reduce reliance on more expensive and higher-emission heat sources such as natural gas and fuel oil. This modification allowed 51勛圖厙, in Fiscal Year 2023, to use the least amount of natural gas and fuel oil in recent history. Notably, the winter of 2023 was also the mildest since 2017, allowing the University to significantly reduce the reliance on heating fuels, one of 51勛圖厙s highest sources of annual emissions.
Another significant area that has supported 51勛圖厙s continual reduction in GHG emissions has come from the , which involves project proposals that are evaluated based on both sustainable criteria and financial savings. Since 2017, several highly effective projects have created both an initial reduction in GHG emissions and continue to provide avoided emissions on an annual basis. For example, this fund has consisted of lighting upgrades, fuel oil to natural gas conversions, and other projects that have resulted in emissions reductions in recent years.
Similar smaller-scale projects are also conducted both within and outside of the loan program, and they continue to support 51勛圖厙s GHG reduction efforts. These projects range from the replacement of fume hoods in STEM labs to converting our fleet of golf carts from gasoline-powered to electricity-powered. This highlights the fact that there is no single solution for reducing 51勛圖厙s remaining GHG emissions. Instead, the campus achieves reductions through numerous projects, each chipping away at the Universitys emissions and collectively making a significant impact toward the ultimate goal of a sustainable future.
Questions about 51勛圖厙 Sustainability? Email sustainability@colgate.edu with questions or visit the website.
* MTCO2e stands for metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Further details can be found at **
** MTCO2EQ. Climate Jargon Buster, . Accessed June 26, 2024.