Ten years and moving forward... Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions University of Missouri St. Louis. Commitment to Climate Action

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1 Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions University of Missouri St. Louis Commitment to Climate Action The University of Missouri St. Louis signed the American College and University President s Climate Commitment. By participating in the ACUPCC, the University commits to biennial reporting on its greenhouse gas emissions as well as taking tangible actions to achieve climate neutrality. UMSL committed to the following tangible actions: Ten years and moving forward... This comprehensive baseline greenhouse gas inventory covering was completed with a dual purpose: to fulfill ACUPCC requirements and to advance the University s environmental stewardship through better benchmarking. Moving forward, the University of Missouri St. Louis intends to create a more sustainable campus, with the simple goal of reducing the environmental consequences of everyday activities especially those related to energy use, the campus fleet, commuter habits, the application of fertilizers, and the management of refrigerants, solid waste and wastewater as assessed in this report. Ensuring that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard or equivalent. Encouraging the use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors at our institution. Participating in the national Recyclemania competition, and adopting three or more associated measures to reduce waste. For more information about the University s participation in the ACUPCC, please visit rs.acupcc.org. 1

2 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS THANK YOU The greenhouse gas emissions inventory was conducted by SustainEdge, a sustainability consulting agency. SustainEdge has served the St. Louis area as a full-service sustainability company providing sustainability planning, management and implementation since More information about SustainEdge can be found online at SustainEdge professionals utilized student assistance from local schools, providing apprentices such as Stephanie Simowski with the professional skills necessary for work in the field of sustainability. Erin Allen served as the primary point of contact for SustainEdge, and it should be noted that Allen and Simowski are responsible for the bulk of the content in this report. The UMSL Sustainable Energy and Environmental Coordinator, Katy Mike Smaistrla, managed all in-coming data and was the primary contact for all data collection on the University s end. More information about the sustainability office at the University can be found online at This report could not have been completed without the hard work and help from a number of individuals. Sincerest thanks is offered to the UMSL staff in the Institutional Research, Facilities & Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, and Grounds departments. 2

3 Greenhouse Gas A greenhouse gas is a gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Table of Contents 1. Acknowledgements p.2 2. Executive Summary p Recommendations for future inventories p Summary of Emissions by Scope p.7 3. Methodology, Boundaries and Emission Sources p Background p Process & Methodology p Organizational Boundaries p Operational Boundaries p Emissions p Inventory p Scope Natural Gas University Fleet Fertilizers Refrigerants 4.2 Scope Electricity Energy Use Summary 4.3 Scope Paper Commuter Solid Waste Wastewater Offsets A greenhouse gas inventory is an accounting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted to or removed from the atmosphere over a period of time. Policy makers use inventories to establish a baseline for tracking emission trends, developing mitigation strategies and policies, and assessing progress. Key Terms & Acronyms GHG: HFC: CA-CP: IPCCC: Greenhouse Gas; Hydroflorocarbon Clean Air Cool Planet Campus Calculator Intergovernmental Panel Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change CO2: Carbon Dioxide eco2: Carbon Dioxide equivalents; a measure of each gas contribution to climate change relative to that of carbon dioxide N20: Nitrous Oxide CH4: Methane Fugitive Emissions: emissions that escapes from various sources De Minimums Emissions: emissions that account for less than 5% of the total 3

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Inventory Overview The leaders and students at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) are building their knowledge and understanding of sustainability and working toward the creation of a sustainable campus. The foundation of this effort was the signing of the American College and University President s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) by Chancellor Thomas George in The ACUPCC is a high-visibility effort to address global climate disruption undertaken by a network of colleges and universities that have made institutional commitments to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions from specified campus operations, and to promote the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth s climate. One requirement of the ACUPPC is to complete a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel) and update the inventory every other year thereafter. While UMSL had surveyed its greenhouse gas emissions prior to signing, it was determined that a comprehensive overview and a baseline greenhouse gas inventory covering the last ten years would not only fulfill ACUPCC requirements but would also help to maintain and excel the University s environmental stewardship. The FY inventory will provide the University: 1) Total greenhouse gas emissions emitted: quantified greenhouse gas emissions resulting from UMSL s related activities from FY2002-FY2012 (June 1, 2002 to May 31 st 2013). 2) Scale and scope of emissions: an understanding of the scope that each source of direct and indirect emissions emits. 3) Benchmarking: a baseline inventory to allow comparisons for future growth and development and externally allows comparisons with similar universities. 4) Guidance for future inventories: the methodology, successes, challenges and metrics that will allow accurate and simplified data collection for future inventories. This inventory was conducted using established protocols to provide a strong foundation for continual monitoring of greenhouse gases and progress toward climate neutrality. In assessing UMSL s emissions, the University will provide a transparent, informative guide for students, faculty and staff to understand the sources and scope of emissions emitted. With an established baseline, goals can be developed, risks can be assessed and success can be measured. Methodology, Boundaries and Emissions Sources The inventory was conducted using the Clean Air Cool Planet tool (CA-CP v6.5) developed specifically for college and university campuses. The inventory was also recorded in the new online Carbon MAP tool. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, developed by the World Resource Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) was a guiding framework used throughout the analysis. The emissions specified for calculation followed those identified by the Kyoto Protocol. Emission sources were gathered from UMSL s main campus including both North and South campus. 4

5 The emissions sources calculated in this inventory include: Scope I: natural gas, campus fleet fuel, refrigerant fugitive emissions and agricultural fertilizers Scope II: electricity purchased Scope III: solid waste, student study abroad travel, paper and student commuting and faculty/staff commute. Data is available, for most emissions sources, from FY 2002 to FY FY 2012 will serve as UMSL s baseline year. This inventory captures all emissions required by major protocols, in addition to a number of other emission categories. There are additional emission sources that can be measured to increase understanding of emissions from the University and allow for greater transparency. Recommendations for collection of these data sets are found within the report. ACUPCC REQUIRED DATA As a signatory of the American College and University President s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), the University has agreed to report data specific to the ACUPCC requirements. The ACUPCC asks that signatories report on the following categories: (The categories that are bolded have not been covered in this inventory) Total metric tons of C02 from stationary sources (natural gas) Total metric tons of C02 from mobile combustion (fuel) Metric tons of C02 from fugitive emissions (from refrigerants) Metrics tons of C02 from purchased electricity Metric tons of C02 from commuting Metric tons of C02 from air travel Metric tons of C02 from solid waste Metrics tons of C02 sequestered from composting and forest preservation Gross building Space 5

6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE INVENTORIES As the most comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory completed by the University of Missouri St. Louis to date, there are several areas where the process can be improved, allowing for more thorough reporting in the future. The following are a list of recommendations that SustainEdge, the greenhouse gas inventory consultancy, would like to offer: 1) Determine method for collecting the following data: Adjunct faculty full-time equivalency ratio Study abroad travel information Faculty/staff travel and emissions Alternative transportation for commute including rail and bus Paper use Composting Off-sets 2) Include projections based on current and anticipated projects; for example, a solar array, etc. 3) Include peer institutions for comparisons of emissions. 4) Continue a bi-annual greenhouse gas inventory report. 6

7 MT ec02 TOTAL EMISSIONS MT eco2 The University of Missouri St. Louis total emissions calculations indicate a substantial decrease from 2003 to began a gradual increase in emissions, mainly scope 1 and 2. The total emissions ranged from a high of 86,341 in 2003 to a low of 76,876 metric tons eco2 in Notable spikes in emissions include: From 2008 to 2009 there was a 28% increase in natural gas consumption and a 12% decrease in electric consumption. From 2009, emissions were trending upward, including a sharp increase in 2011 of Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity). However as seen in figure 3, total energy use has been for the most part decreasing since 2006, showing an 8% decrease in energy use. Although there was a decrease in energy use, it did begin slowly trending back up after 2009, so that with a projection to 2025, energy use will increase 6% over the next 7 years. Solid waste emissions also saw a dramatic fall in 2009 representing a 37% decrease from 2008 to Waste emissions did return to previous levels after TOTAL EMISSIONS Year Figure 1- Summary of Emissions from with a projection to

8 MMbtu Figure 2 Summary of Emissions by scope: illustrating the total emissions by source generated by UMSL for the years Energy Summary Total Energy use includes the University s use of natural gas, campus fleet, electricity, emissions from faculty, staff and student commuting along with Scope 2 T&D losses Total Energy Use Year Figure 3 Summary of energy used from , with a business as usual projection to

9 Table 1 compares total emissions by scope from the beginning year of this inventory, 2003, to the final complete year of the inventory, Overall emissions are down 9% from the original year while student population was up 7% from full and part-time students to Table 1 Comparison of emissions by scope for the year 2003 to 2012 Emission Source FY 2003 emissions eco2 FY 2012 emissions eco2 Scope 1 onsite direct emissions 6,463 7,777 Scope 2 indirect emissions 26,751 24,199 Scope 3 other indirect emissions 53,127 46,474 Total Emissions 86,341 78,451 Table 2 Summary of emissions by scope, source and type of emission: data based on the baseline year Energy Consumption CO 2 CH 4 N 2 O eco 2 MMBtu kg kg kg Metric Tonnes Scope 1 Co-gen Electricity Co-gen Steam Other On-Campus Stationary 138, ,339, ,362.2 Direct Transportation 3, , Refrigerants & Chemicals Agriculture Scope 2 Purchased Electricity 294, ,982, ,199.6 Purchased Steam / Chilled Water Scope 3 Faculty / Staff Commuting 69, ,990, , ,121.2 Student Commuting 525, ,516, , , ,499.9 Directly Financed Air Travel Other Directly Financed Travel Study Abroad Air Travel Solid Waste - - 7, Wastewater Paper Scope 2 T&D Losses 29, ,371, ,393.4 Offsets Additional - Non-Additional - Totals Scope 1 142, ,610, ,777.2 Scope 2 294, ,982, ,199.6 Scope 3 624, ,878, , , ,474.9 All Scopes 1,061, ,471, , , ,451.7 All Offsets - Net Emissions: 78,

10 University of Missouri St. Louis METHODOLOGY, BOUNDARIES & EMISSIONS Process, Kyoto, and Sources Climate change is the biggest challenge our world faces today. Greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions caused by fossil fuels and other human activities are a cause of the greenhouse gas effect which traps heat within the Earth s atmosphere. 2 Universities are not required to track their ghg emissions and therefore, UMSL is being proactive in taking the steps to create a ghg inventory to guide future operational decisions. 3 By conducting a ghg inventory, UMSL is quickly becoming a role model for other regional universities. PROCESS & METHODOLOGY Clean Air Cool Planet The Clean Air Cool Planet tool was used to calculate emission levels for this inventory. This tool has been used by over five hundred universities across the nation and includes all six ghg gases as outlined in the Kyoto Protocol. The tool consists of comprehensive excel worksheets designed by the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCCC), the scientific body the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change depended on for the creation of the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol outlines steps for countries to follow to reduce their global footprint. 4 The CA-CP tool creates projections for future emissions and indicates what sources on campus are the largest contributors of ghg emissions. Once the source of the emissions is determined, it will be far easier to design projects that specifically target those emissions sources. 5 Kyoto Greenhouse Gases The following are the six greenhouse gases designated through the Kyoto Protocol Carbon dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) In addition to the Clean Air Cool Planet tool, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol was used as a reference throughout this report. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a global standard used to help companies, universities, and municipalities calculate their greenhouse gas inventory. 6 2 EPA Climate Change Basics( 3 EPA Regulatory Initiatives 4 IPCCC History 5 CACP Calculator Guide 6 About the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 10

11 ORGANIZATIONAL BOUNDARIES Equity Share Approach The boundaries include both North and South campus in St. Louis Missouri. These buildings are owned and managed directly by the University. UMSL has taken the Equity Share Approach with this ghg inventory. The inventory was conducted for Fiscal Years All of the data listed by year, is listed by the fiscal year (FY). Note that the Normandie Hospital was no longer an active part of UMSL s campus beginning in 2009, so this building was not accounted for in any part of the inventory. Normandie Hospital was excluded from the operational boundaries. Table 3 Gross Building Space Fiscal Year Gross Building Space ,749, ,801, ,797, ,797, ,797, ,911, ,911, ,911, ,880, Figure 4 Student Population

12 OPERATIONAL BOUNDARIES Scopes Greenhouse Gases are divided into 3 scopes as described below. Table 4 Greenhouse gas defined by scope. Emissions Type Scope 1 Definition Direct GHG emissions occurring from sources that are owned or controlled by UMSL Scope 2 Scope 3 Indirect GHG emissions from the generation of electricity, heating and cooling, or steam generated off site and purchased by UMSL Other indirect GHG emissions, such as supply chain emissions for products and services used by UMSL Below is a graphic showing sources of ghg emissions. In black are sources where data was available. The sources grayed out are sources that are not part of the operational boundary at this time. It is anticipated that in future inventories this data can be collected. Carbon offsets, or carbon neutrality are actions that are taken to prevent the release of emissions though carbon sequestration 7. Table 5 Emission sources by scope: grayed out sources did not have data available for collection. Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Offsets Natural Gas (Laclede) Purchased Electricity Solid Waste Forest Preservation University Vehicle Fleet Refrigerants Fertilizers Student Commuting by Automobile Faculty/ Staff Commuting by Automobile Paper Wastewater Business Travel Study Aboard In this report, each source is assessed separately noting the years of data collection and any assumptions that had to be made. The accuracy and breath of future campus GHG inventories can be improved by reporting monthly data on electricity consumption, which would better support the development of electricity- focused mitigation strategies. 8 It is important to begin collecting all ghg data on a monthly basis in order to improve the ease and accuracy of future ghg inventories. Energy Star Portfolio Manager can be used to manage electric, gas, water, and solar data. 7Carbon Dioxide Capture and Sequestration 8Clean Air Cool Planet Calculator Guide 12

13 EMISSIONS Scopes Table 6 Greenhouse Gas molecule. GHG Source GHG Released Scope Natural Gas CO2, N20,CH4 1 Gasoline CO2, N20,CH4 1 Diesel CO2, N20,CH6 1 Refrigerants (R22) HFCs, HCFCs 1 Electricity CO2, N20,CH4 2 Solid Waste With CH4 recovery) CH4 3 Every greenhouse gas releases one or more specific pollutants that contribute to global warming. The sources and the ghg molecule they release can be seen above in table 6. See acronym key on page 4. Every ghg molecule has both atmospheric lifetime and a global warming potential. Atmospheric lifetime is defined as The global atmospheric lifetime (yr) characterizes the time required to turn over the global atmospheric burden. It is defined as the burden (Tg) divided by the mean global sink (Tg/yr) for a gas in steady state (i.e., with unchanging burden) 9. The atmospheric lifetime of carbon dioxide is typically given as a rough estimate, a century or more, or as a broad range. The 1990 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report listed the lifetime as ranging from 50 to 200 years 10. The 1995 and 2001 IPCC reports revised the lower limit down to five years. Global Warming Potential is defined as A factor describing the radiative forcing impact (degree of harm to the atmosphere) of one unit of a given GHG relative to one unit of CO2 by the GHG Protocol. 10 Table 7 11 Global warming potential and atmospheric lifetimes. GHG Atmospheric Lifetime (Years) Global Warming Potential (100yrs) CO CH N HFC 134 A 15 1,300 HFCFC 4041 >48 3, Greenhouse Gas Protocol p. 57) Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gases and Sinks p

14 Scope 3 emissions, namely student, faculty and staff commuting emit the most CO2 and NO2 (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide) emissions. The largest contributor of CH4 (methane) is the Universities solid waste disposal. Figure 5 CO2 emissions for 2012 by scope. Figure 6 NO2 emissions for 2012 by source Wastewater also produces a very minute amount of N02 (under 1 kg). Solid waste is the largest source of methane and student commuting is the largest source of nitrogen oxide. Figure 7 CH4 emissions for 2012 by source. 14

15 Mmbtu INVENTORY GhG Emissions for University of Missouri St. Louis SCOPE 1 Natural Gas, Fleet, Fertilizers & Refrigerants NATURAL GAS Natural Gas is produced on-site by Laclede Gas Company and is also responsible for generating steam on campus. Laclede Gas Company does not record the MMbtus used to create steam from those generating heat, so we only able to capture one number that reflects total gas use. Natural Gas usage ranged from a low of 111,025 in 2003 to a peak of 186,803 in The number of heating days for 2009 was not higher than average, so the peak is not explained by an abnormally cold year Natural Gas Year Figure 8 CH4 Natural Gas Usage: Mmbtu per year. 15

16 Gallons UNIVERSITY FLEET: The University primarily uses gasoline for fleet vehicle fuel. Gasoline and Diesel usage has remained fairly steady throughout the inventory years Gasoline and Diesel Year gas diesel Figure 9 Diesel and Gasoline usage in gallons from FERTILIZERS According to the Clean Air Cool Planet calculator guide, organic fertilizer typically contains 4.1% nitrogen. Fertilizer contributes to de minimums emissions, meaning that they account for less than 5% of the total emissions in an inventory. Synthetic fertilizers contain anywhere from 10-15% nitrogen. 13 University of Missouri St. Louis has used an average of 24,750 pounds of fertilizer containing 45% nitrogen content from REFRIGERANTS As with fertilizers, refrigerants contribute to the fugitive emissions, or emissions that escape due to leaks. The inefficiencies are what make up fugitive emissions, or emissions that escape due to inefficiencies. 14 University of Missouri St. Louis has used the HCFC 22 refrigerant from in various amounts as needed. 13Fruit Tress Care & Understanding Fertilizers 14EPA s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals and Strategies 16

17 MT eco2 Kwh SCOPE 2 Electricity The electric usage at the University of Missouri, St. Louis has remained relatively steady with an upward trend. Electricity is purchased through Ameren Missouri Total Electricity Year Figure 9 Electricity Usage in Kwh from 2002 to Electricity MT eco Year Figure 10 Electricity Usage in metric tons eco2 from 2002 to 2012 with projections to

18 ENERGY USE SUMMARY 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas is approximately enough to meet the natural gas needs of an average home (space-heating, water-heating, cooking, etc.) for four days. 1,000 cubic feet is equivalent to 1 mmbtus, so each student current generates enough energy for just over 10 days. 15 Figure 11 Energy use per Operating Dollar: Thousand Btu/Operating $ The Figure 12 Energy use per campus user: MMbtu/Student 15American Gas Association 18

19 Total Emissions per Student (Metric Tons eco2 / Community) 8 Metric Tons eco2 / Community members Figure 13 Emissions per Community member: MMbtu/Community Member. Figure 14 Emissions per square foot: Thousand Btu/Square Foot Building Space. 19

20 SCOPE 3 Paper, Commuting, Solid Waste & Wastewater SCOPE 3: PAPER Paper accounts for such a small percentage of emissions, but in terms of reducing use of natural resources (trees and water) this can make a large difference. University of Missouri St. Louis does not track paper collection. The following information is based solely on assumptions and estimates. This data should be used only for reference and understanding of potential emissions created from the use of paper. Methodology In order to estimate the amount of paper used over the years, we used an upper-bounds estimate of approximately 17lbs of paper per person (community member). In most cases: 1 ream of paper = 500 sheets 1 carton of paper = 10 reams = 5000 sheets 1 carton of paper= 50 lbs. We further assumed that the University purchases uncoated freesheet paper that is 25% recycled content. When comparing case studies, the upper bounds for paper use at universities was found to be 29lbs/person. UMSL students have done some research on university paper use which found a much lower number of 4.5 lbs./student, though the study did not take into account faculty and staff paper use. SustainEdge took the average amount of paper estimated per student at UMSL (~4.5 lbs.) and the highest number from case studies (29 lbs.), to estimate that paper use per person at 17 lbs. a person. Year lbs./person , , , , , , , , , , ,123 TOTAL 2,446,918 Table 8 Estimated 17 lbs. of paper per person. 20

21 COMMUTER Commuter data was provided for UMSL faculty, staff and students, though a number of assumptions were made regarding the commuting patterns. Mileage to and from the university was determined by mapping zip codes for each student, faculty and staff member. Local zip codes were first used, and if it was not within 150 mile radius (# chosen by UMSL), then mailing, then parent addresses were used. Common data set suggests 92% of students commute. Students commute 2 trips per day (to and from school) for 152 commuting days a year. Faculty and staff commute 2 trips a day for 215 days a year. 100% of student, faculty and staff commuters travel individually by car. No data was collected regarding Metrolink or carpooling. A survey and parking permit data could help clarify community commuting habits. Approximately 50% of students attend year-round (spring, summer and fall semesters), averaging 174 commuting days per year. Student Commuting Formula.92 (% of commuters) X.506 (FTE students) X total # of miles commuted in 1 trip X (% of commuters) X.506 (FTE students) X total # of miles commuter in 1 trip X 174 (number of days of summer school) Year Student Faculty Staff ,000,520 10,219, ,105, ,955, ,156, ,356, ,559, ,770, ,117, ,049, ,615, ,577, ,362, ,236, ,864, ,141, ,919, ,301, ,973, ,482, ,157, ,592, ,221, ,938, ,278, ,208, ,002, ,827, ,020, ,067, ,288, ,618, ,987, Table 9 Commuter Miles per student, faculty and staff for years

22 eco2 (Metri c tons) Kg SOLID WASTE CH4 - Methane Year Series1 Series2 Figure 15 Methane Emissions from CH4 Recovery and Flaring (Series 1) and CH4 Recovery and Electric Generation (Series 2) This illustrates the total methane (CH4) emissions produced by solid waste (landfill and recycling) disposal annually (fiscal year) as well as projected waste amounts if current practices continue. WASTEWATER Wastewater eco Year Figure 16 Waste water emissions recorded in metric tons of eco2 with projections to

23 For more information about this greenhouse gas inventory or other sustainability initiatives at the University of Missouri St. Louis, please contact 23