Greenhouse Gas. Emissions Report. December 2011

Transcription

1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report December 211

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report summarizes the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for the University of Saskatchewan (UofS) campus through fiscal years This report is the first step in fulfilling our commitments to the University and College Presidents Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada which the University of Saskatchewan signed on October 1, 21. The Statement of Action commits signatory institutions to pursue responsible solutions to address climate change. The inventory process and this report provide baseline data and will guide future GHG emission reductions. The report provides year-to-year comparisons in order to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. The greenhouse gas inventory accounts for the six gases that are identified under the Kyoto Protocol that are produced by facilities that are owned or under the direct control of the UofS. Facilities that are not owned or operated by the university have been excluded. The inventory was developed by using the Clean Air-Cool Planet Campus Carbon Calculator v6. and emissions are reported in equivalent metric tonnes carbon dioxide (MT eco 2). The focus of this report includes the years using the 26/7 fiscal year as the baseline. The previous inventory contained detailed information dating back to SCOPE 1 Direct GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by the university. SCOPE 2 Indirect GHG emissions from the generation of electricity consumed by the university. SCOPE 3 All other indirect emissions from sources not owned or controlled by the university. Reporting is optional. INVENTORY HIGHLIGHTS The university emitted 161, MT eco 2 in 26/7 and 165,3 MT eco 2 in 29/1, a 2.6% increase in overall emissions. Consumed electricity is the largest major source of emissions, accounting for 57-58% of all emissions from 26/7 to 29/1. Year-to-year campus emissions have increased by 2.% and 4.4% and decreased -3.6% respectively in 27/8, 28/9 and 29/1. Emissions per square metre (kg eco 2/m 2 ) increased minimally (.6%) from in 26/7 to in 29/1. Total Emissions (MT eco 2 ) 2, 15, 1, 5, Scope 1 Emissions Scope 2 Emissions Scope 3 Emissions 9/91 93/94 96/97 99/ 2/3 5/6 8/9 Figure 1 - Total Emissions by Scope (MT eco2) University of Saskatchewan Page 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS The 21 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report was prepared by the University of Saskatchewan Office of Sustainability with oversight from the Sustainability Commitment Working Group. Special thank you to the campus community that provided information for the 21 GHG Inventory. 1. Introduction Boundaries Inventory Results & Conclusions Scope 1 Emissions Scope 2 Emissions Scope 3 Emissions Climate Action Planning FIGURES Figure 1 - Total Emissions by Scope (MT eco2)... 2 Figure 2 - Baseline Year (26/7) Emissions Breakdown... 5 Figure 3 29/1 Emissions Breakdown... 5 Figure 4 - Emissions per Square Metre ( )... 6 Figure 5 - Emissions per Square Metre (27-21)... 6 Figure 6 Scope 1 Emissions (26/7)... 7 Figure 7 Scope 1 Emissions (29/1)... 7 Figure 8 Scope 1 Emissions per Heating Degree Day (2-21)... 7 Figure 9 - Emissions per Square Metre ( )... 8 Figure 1 Scope 1 & 2 Emissions compared to Total Building Space ( )... 8 Figure 11 Scope 2 Emissions compared to Emission Factor (2-21)... 9 Figure 12 Scope 1 & 2 Emissions compared to Electrical Consumption (2-21)... 9 Figure 13 Scope 3 Emissions (26/7)... 1 Figure 14 Scope 3 Emissions (29/1)... 1 University of Saskatchewan Page 3

4 1. INTRODUCTION The University of Saskatchewan signed the University and College Presidents Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada (UCPCCS) 1 on October 1, 21. The signing of that document commits the University of Saskatchewan to pursuing responsible solutions to address climate change. Among other commitments, UCPCCS signatory institutions must complete a comprehensive inventory of all GHG emissions. To determine how to best complete the GHG inventory, the university used the American College and University Presidents Climate Change Commitment s (ACUPCC) implementation guide 2. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) 3 was also referenced since it is an internationally recognized accounting tool for quantifying and managing GHG emissions. The GHG Protocol categorizes direct and indirect emissions into three broad scopes: Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by the university. Scope 2 are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the university. Scope 3 emissions are a result of the activities of the university, but they occur from sources that are not owned or controlled by the university. The reporting of the Scope 3 emissions category is optional. Based on standard GHG Protocol standards, the university is required to track and report emissions from the six GHGs covered by the Kyoto Protocol, namely: carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrous oxide (N 2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6). The purpose of the university s GHG inventory is to assess the amount and sources of emissions produced by the university as accurately as possible. The information can then be used to determine the university s GHG reduction targets and strategies. The university s first GHG inventory was completed in 27 and at that time, the current GHG reporting protocols did not exist. This lack of reporting standards resulted in some data which would be considered inaccurate when held up to current standards. These inaccuracies have been corrected in this updated GHG inventory. 1.1 BOUNDARIES One of the first steps in developing the inventory is to establish boundaries. This inventory includes emissions from facilities that are within the university s operational control. The university produces and sells energy in the form of steam to external customers. Emissions from steam generated on-site are considered Scope 1 (emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by the university), so are included in the inventory, whether used by the campus or sold University of Saskatchewan Page 4

5 The university also purchases generated electricity from SaskPower not only for consumption, but also for resale to external customers. Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the university are considered Scope 2. Accordingly, the emissions from the sold electricity do not form part of our inventory. These must be reported by the final consumer of the electricity. The previous GHG report used a baseline year of 1991, however due to changes in the national targets, the university has aligned with the Government of Saskatchewan which uses a 26 baseline year. The university has therefore used the 26/7 fiscal year as our baseline year for this report. 2. INVENTORY RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Scope 1, 2 and optional Scope 3 emissions have been calculated in the inventory and are summarized below. Figure 2 shows the emissions breakdown for the 26 baseline, year and Figure 3 has the 21 breakdown. Scope 3 5.8% Scope 1 37.% Scope 3 5.8% Scope % Scope % Scope % Total 26/7 Emissions: 161, MT eco 2 Total 29/1 Emissions: 165,3 MT eco 2 Figure 2 - Baseline Year (26/7) Emissions Breakdown Figure 3 29/1 Emissions Breakdown The overall trend for university GHG emissions is increasing. Over the four years from 26/7 to 29/1, emissions have increased from 161, to 165,3 metric tonnes CO 2. Figures 5 shows that our GHG intensity, measured as emissions per square metre of building space, has also increased over this period. Figure 4 indicates a longer trend of increasing emissions over time. The reasons for and implications of this increase are discussed in Section 2.2 Scope 2 Emissions. University of Saskatchewan Page 5

6 Total Emissions per square metre (kg eco 2 /m 2 ) kg eco2 2 / m2 m 2 9/91 92/93 94/95 96/97 98/99 /1 2/3 4/5 6/7 8/9 Figure 4 - Emissions per Square Metre ( ) Total Emissions per square metre (kg eco 2 /m 2 ) kg eco2 2 / m2 m /7 7/8 8/9 9/1 2.1 SCOPE 1 EMISSIONS Figure 5 - Emissions per Square Metre (27-21) As mentioned previously, Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by the university. The Scope 1 emissions included in this inventory are: oncampus stationary sources (natural gas and distillate oil), agriculture (fertilizers and animal husbandry), university fleet and maintenance equipment. Figure 6 shows the Scope 1 emissions breakdown for the 26/7 baseline, year and Figure 7 has the 29/1 breakdown University of Saskatchewan Page 6

7 Direct Transportation 2% Agriculture 4% Direct Transportation 2% Agriculture 4% Total 6/7 Scope 1 Emissions: 6, MT eco2 Consumed Natural Gas 95% Total 9/1 Scope 1 Emissions: 59, MT eco2 Consumed Natural Gas 94% Figure 6 Scope 1 Emissions (26/7) Figure 7 Scope 1 Emissions (29/1) The breakdown of Scope 1 emissions has remained relatively constant over the last 4 years. Natural gas used to generate steam for space heating and domestic hot water accounts for 94-95% of our Scope 1 emissions. The majority of Scope 1 emissions are related to space heating and are therefore linked to weather conditions. Figure 8 shows the relationship between Scope 1 emissions and Heating Degree Days (HDD). There is a general trend that in warmer years (less HDD) we produce less steam and therefore consume less natural gas. Scope 1 Emissions HDD Emissions (MT eco2) 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 99/ 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/ HDD (Days) Figure 8 Scope 1 Emissions per Heating Degree Day (2-21) The intensity of the Scope 1 emissions compared to building space has also remained relatively constant for the last 4 years (Figure 9). University of Saskatchewan Page 7

8 2.2 SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the university. The university does not produce any of its own electricity; SaskPower is the university s sole supplier of electricity. 25 Scope 1/m^2 1 (kg eco2/m^2) Scope 2/m^2 2 (kg eco2/m^2) Emissions per square metre (kg eco 2 /m 2 ) /91 93/94 96/97 99/ 2/3 5/6 8/9 Figure 9 - Emissions per Square Metre ( ) Figure 9 shows that intensity of Scope 2 emissions per square metre of building space continues to increase, caused by increased plug load (computers, equipment, etc) within our buildings. Recent building projects have been for intensive research or processes such as Spinks Addition and Canadian Light Source. Figure 1 takes into account the increase in building space and shows a correlation between this and increased Scope 2 emissions. Scope 1 Emissions Scope 2 Emissions Building Space 2, 6, Emissions (MT eco2) 15, 1, 5, 5, 4, 3, Building Space (m2) 9/91 93/94 96/97 99/ 2/3 5/6 8/9 2, Figure 1 Scope 1 & 2 Emissions compared to Total Building Space ( ) University of Saskatchewan Page 8

9 Since the university purchases all the electricity from SaskPower, its annual Scope 2 emissions are also a function of the electrical utility emission factor. Emission factors are used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions based on the amount and combination of fuel combusted [Emission Factor * Consumed Electricity = Scope 2 Emissions]. When SaskPower produces more electricity from cleaner sources than coal, their emission rate decreases which directly affects the university s Scope 2 emissions. Figure 11 shows the variance in SaskPower s emission factor since 2 and Figure 12 shows the relationship between electrical consumption and Scope 2 emissions. The annual electrical emission factors were provided by SaskPower. Scope 2 Emissions Emission Factors Emissions (MT eco2) 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 99/ 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/ Emission Factor Figure 11 Scope 2 Emissions compared to Emission Factor (2-21) Scope 2 Emissions Consumed Electricity Emissions (MT eco2) 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 99/ 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8 9/1 14,, 12,, 1,, 8,, 6,, 4,, 2,, Consumed Electricity (kwh) Figure 12 Scope 1 & 2 Emissions compared to Electrical Consumption (2-21) University of Saskatchewan Page 9

10 2.3 SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS As mentioned above, the Scope 3 emissions category is an optional reporting category that is concerned with the treatment of all other indirect emissions. Scope 3 emissions are a result of the activities of the university, but they occur from sources that are not owned or directly controlled by the university. Scope 3 emissions for directly financed travel and solid waste are included in the 29/1 GHG inventory. The following is a list of Scope 3 emissions that were excluded from the GHG inventory: sold electricity, student and employee commuting, study-abroad travel, transportation and distribution losses from purchased energy, and upstream emissions from directly financed purchases. The university will continue to develop tracking procedures so that more Scope 3 emissions can be included in the future. Figure 13 shows the Scope 3 emissions breakdown for the 26/7 baseline year and Figure 14 has the 29/1 breakdown. Directly Financed Air Travel 62% Solid Waste 31% Other Directly Financed Travel 7% Directly Financed Air Travel 6% Solid Waste 33% Other Directly Financed Travel 7% Total 6/7 Scope 3 Emissions: 9,4 MT eco 2 Total 9/1 Scope 3 Emissions: 9,7 MT eco 2 Figure 13 Scope 3 Emissions (26/7) Figure 14 Scope 3 Emissions (29/1) The total amount of Scope 3 emissions is fairly small relative to the other scopes; however this is one of the key areas where individuals day-to-day decisions can have a great impact. University of Saskatchewan Page 1

11 3. CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING The completion of the GHG inventory provides the background information necessary for the university to set targets for GHG reductions, to complete a Climate Action Plan, and to move forward with other sustainability initiatives and practices involving GHG reductions. GHG targets are being developed as part of the Climate Action Plan initiative. The current provincial target is to reduce emissions by 2% from 26/7 levels by 22 and the current national target is 17% below 25/6 levels by 22. The university will take these and other targets into account when developing ours. The Climate Action Plan will be the catalyst for engaging the campus community in GHG emission reductions. The Plan will include targets and strategies for the reduction of university emissions. The completion date for the Climate Action Plan is October 212. University of Saskatchewan Page 11

12 Travel & Waste 6% 21 Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2 S CO P E University of Saskatchewan is developing a plan to meet our commitment to the University and College Presidents Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada Consumed Electricity 58% Consumed Natural Gas 34%.6% 1.4% Agriculture University Vehicles Agriculture Direct Transportatio 21 greenhouse gas emmisions 165,3metric tonnes (C2 equivalent) On-Site Consump Transportation Consumed E Scope 1 Direct GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by the university. Examples include emissions from boilers, university vehicles and agriculture. Scope 2 Indirect GHG emissions from the generation of electricity consumed by the university. Scope 3 All other indirect emissions from sources not owned or controlled by the university. Examples include business travel, solid waste and employee and student commuting. Reporting is optional. (Current inventory does not include commuter travel.) Submit your ideas for the Climate Action Plan to: climate_action@usask.ca climate_action@usask.ca