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Updating the Climate Action Plan

Updating the Climate Action Plan American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Climate Commitment 2014.

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Updating the Climate Action Plan

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  1. Updating the Climate Action Plan American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Climate Commitment 2014 Marty Matlock, PhD, PE, BCEEExecutive Director, Office for SustainabilityProfessor ,UA Division of AgricultureBiological and Agricultural Engineering DepartmentUniversity of Arkansas

  2. Background on UA CAP • In February 2007, the University of Arkansas’s flagship campus in Fayetteville, under the leadership of then-Chancellor John A. White, became a charter signatory to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). • UA initiated aggressive and innovative programs and structures that we expect will lead us to climate neutrality by 2040. • The Climate Action Plan outlines methods and means by which our institution will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent below the business-as-usual level (i.e., the level of emissions that the institution would emit with no significant carbon emissions reduction efforts) by 2021. • This plan also establishes the goal of achieving climate neutrality (as defined by the ACUPCC) by 2040.

  3. Goals for GHG Reduction • Aspirational Goal: Achieve GHG emissions neutrality (zero net emissions) by 2040. • Strategic Goals: • By 2014 we will reduce GHG emissions to the 2005 emissions level or lower, and will therefore emit 163,000 metric tons CO2 equivalent (MTCDE). • By 2021 we will achieve 50 percent reduction of predicted emissions to 125,000 MTCDE (1990 UA emissions level). • This goal was divided into three phases: • 2007 through 2014 is the short-term plan; • 2015 through 2021 is the mid-term plan; • 2022 through 2040 is the long-term plan.

  4. 2007 through 2014: the short-term plan • Implement energy conservation and energy efficiency measures to buildings and transportation systems. • Create campus policies that facilitate energy and water savings, and promote increased recycling of solid waste.

  5. 2015 through 2021: the mid-term plan • Installation of renewable energy systems and procurement of green energy from local sources. • Begin an active research program to assess the technical and financial feasibility of sequestering carbon in Arkansas forests under the management of the University of Arkansas.

  6. 2022 through 2040:the long-term plan • Acquire carbon credits and related offsets as needed to make our campus fully climate neutral within our long-term timeframe.

  7. 2013 Status Report • Anticipated 25,000 students by 2021, achieved it by 2013. • Increased GHG emissions pressure from increased student base and expanded facilities. • Gross greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 3.31% • Combined full time equivalent of students, staff and faculty increased by 33% and total gross square feet increased by 21% since 2002.

  8. GHG Emissions and Combined FTE, 2002-2013 2014 Goal 2021 Goal

  9. 2013 Status Report • Total greenhouse gas emissions for 2013 were 148,616 MTCDE • Emissions for 2002 were 153,702 MTCDE • The University of Arkansas has increased energy efficiency while also reducing emissions since 2002.

  10. 2013 Status Report • Construction of LEED buildings with high efficient heating and cooling systems and tighter building envelopes • Energy savings performance contracts Currently the UA is below their 2002 emissions levels and, with future strategic technological undertakings, will continue to decrease emissions per FTE and GSF, while simultaneously lowering gross GHG.

  11. Urban Forest Carbon Sequestration Assessment (draft data, in peer review) • 1212 trees surveyed from Campus forest (about 20% of main campus) • 178.1 MTCDE of carbon sequestered annually • 2587.9 (t) was stored as biomass • 1100.0 (t) as above-ground biomass • Potential for as much as 900 MTCDE per year sequestration from main campus urban forest – not enough…

  12. Achieving Zero GHG Emissions • We have met our short term goals (2014) • We are on the way to meeting our mid-term goal (2021). • We need to reduce current emission by 145,000 MTCDE in 16 years to meet our aspirational goal. • Forest sequestration will likely not get us there. • Buying carbon credits is not a real solution. • We need transformational change.

  13. Questions • Is this aspirational goal appropriate? • Is the strategic goal appropriate? • What should we keep doing that we are currently doing? • What should we be doing that we are not currently doing?

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