Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory & Recommendations for Achieving Carbon Neutrality

2010Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory & Recommendations for Achieving Carbon NeutralityFaculty Coordinator: Dr. Kate Hale WilsonFaculty Support: Dr. Jim Boulter and Dr. Kim PiersonStudent Researchers: Carbon Neutral Team, 2010Student Presenters: Jason Hansen, Laura Headrick, Steph Mabrey,& Andi Krunnfusz

ElectricityACUPCCPresidents Climate CommitmentAchieve climate neutrality (date TBD)Initiate tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissionsPublish the climate action plan, emissions inventory, and periodic progress reports

2What is eCO2?Equivalent carbon dioxide emissionsStandard measurement for global warming potentialCarbon DioxideMethaneNitrous OxideHalocarbonsSulfur Hexafluoride

2010 Total eCO2 EmissionsTotal Emissions: 38,870 metric tons eCO2Electricity produces 12,707 MT eCO2eCO2 Production by Sources 2008 & 2010 (MT)5Electricity UsageSecond largest contributor to UW-Eau Claire eCO2 emissionsPowers cooling systems, computers, lights, and appliancesBecoming more energy efficient is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to lower UW-Eau Claires emissions6Where does our electricity come from?Xcel EnergyRenewable and non-renewable sources comprise Xcels energy portfolioUnable to determine exact source of electricity because of the integrated power-source gridImprovements since 2008 ReportIndividual electrical meters installed on each buildingReplacement of light bulbs with energy efficient modelsInstallation of motion detectorsInduction lighting in Towers Parking LotReplacement of outdoor wallpacks and canopy lightsEnergy audit by Performance Contractors

Electrical ConsumptionElectricity eCO2 emissions have decreased by 23% since 2005!Electricity RecommendationsFund a digital dashboard systemReduce energy usageIncrease Infrastructure EfficiencyGenerate Renewable Electricity on Campus

10Fund a Digital Dashboard SystemUW-Eau Claire should implement a campus-wide digital dashboard system which tracks energy usage and presents the data in a visual manner. Energy use on campus can be viewed in various ways, for example: by residence hall, by individual residence hall floors, by academic buildings, etc. A digital dashboard system makes energy consumption tangible and may inspire individuals to reduce their own GHG emissions. Additionally, data from the dashboard system can be used to guide policy changes and create targeted learning experiences. Some progress has already been made toward this goal, which is anticipated to result in availability of real-time data of electricity usage for each building on campus.

Example: http://www.oberlin.edu/sustainability/portfolio/energy.html

11Reduce Energy Usage

Promoting energy-saving behaviors can ultimately reduce our usage of electricity. Some appliances draw a small amount of electricity (called Ghost Power) even when that appliance is turned off. All of this Ghost Power could be eliminated if these appliances were connected to a power strip that students turn off when they leave their residence hall rooms. Students with cell phones can use their phones as alarm clocks, and only turn on appliances when needed. In 2008, a campus-wide survey determined that nearly 10% of students living on campus had two or more mini-refrigerators in their residence hall room, and 1% of students had at least two microwaves in their residence hall room. In addition, 1% of faculty, staff, and administrators had two or more mini-refrigerators, and 2% had two or more microwaves in their office. While there are University restrictions regarding what types of appliances can be brought into residence halls, there are currently no restrictions on the quantity of approved appliances. We strongly recommend, as did the 2008 report, that the University set and enforce appliance limitations. In addition to limitations, the University could work with local businesses to provide students with coupons to purchase Energy Star Certified Appliances. Reduce Energy UsageEducating students, faculty, and staff about simple behavioral changes, such as unplugging unused appliances or using power strips, will lead to a reduction in the Universitys consumption of electricity. We recommend that Residence Hall Directors and Assistants, as well as Department Chairs, provide information about proper energy saving techniques each semester. In addition, the University should subsidize power strips and energy-efficient light bulbs for personal lamps for the University community to purchase in the University Bookstore and in each residence hall. In 2008, it was recommended that campus computers and printers be turned off when not in use. Since then, Learning and Technology Services has installed NightWatchman software on campus computers, a program that puts the computers into a lower power sleep mode after 6 p.m. and when the computer has not been in use for at least 20 minutes. The University should continue to use power management features on electronic devices and explore expanding their use. Students and faculty should be encouraged to use sleep mode on personal computers if the computer is not in use and cannot be unplugged.

Increase Infrastructure EfficiencyHeating and electricity are UW-Eau Claires two largest eCO2 contributors; together, they account for 68% of the University carbon footprint. To reduce these emissions, the University must increase building efficiency, install energy generating facilities, and explore carbon-neutral fuel alternatives appropriate to the region. The 2008 report recommended that University windows be replaced with more efficient glass, which could result in an up to 25% decrease of heating emissions for each. In addition to installing more efficient windows, improving the insulation of buildings can reduce the amount of heat loss that increases utility bills and adds to the carbon footprint. The temperature controls in many campus spaces also need to be updated and improved. Effort and funds need to be directed toward developing and installing more efficient temperature control and monitoring systems in buildings. We recommend that the University continue to improve the efficiency of all existing campus buildings and to choose energy-saving designs and materials in all new construction.Generate Renewable Electricity on Campus

The University should actively pursue the installation of photovoltaic, wind, or other renewable energy facilities, or co-generation of electricity with steam heat. Installation of 500 kWh of energy production capacity every five years would offset only 2.5% of the total amount currently consumed, since electricity use now totals approximately 20,000 kWh per year, 33% of the UW-Eau Claire carbon footprint. The planned increase in instructional and housing space on campus over the next 10-20 years will require that the University offset the additional carbon footprint of those buildings with energy generation, incorporated into new construction projects. This is considered an ongoing goal because it can be enacted gradually, as additional electricity generating facilities are brought online, but the overall goal to substantially reduce electricity usage will clearly require long-term commitment over decades.Additional InformationFor more detailed information, please view the 2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report & Recommendations for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in full at:

http://www.uwec.edu/Sustainability/plans/index.htm16