Mountain View College Framework for Climate Action

Transcription

1 Mountain View College 2014 Framework for Climate Action

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3 A Message from the President In 2011, Mountain View College (MVC) became a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). As president of Mountain View College, I am pleased to present our first climate action plan, Mountain View College s Framework for Climate Action. We have completed four of the seven tangible actions as outlined by the ACUPCC and we recently completed our second Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory. The Framework consists of five strategies for reducing our emissions: Energy Conservation, Transportation, Waste & Recycling, Other Campus Practices, Education, and Outreach. As a community college with no residential housing, we are a commuter school which presents a set of climate problems that will challenge us to investigate and innovate many solutions to reduce our environmental impacts. Therefore, we will focus on increasing sustainability education and outreach while continuing improvements in our operational practices. Our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that MVC will remain at the forefront of sustainability stewardship in both the Dallas County Community College District and the Dallas/Fort Worth region. Felix A. Zamora President Mountain View College

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5 Table of Contents Background 2 Role of the Framework for Climate Action 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 6 Carbon Reduction Strategies 12 Strategy #1: Energy Strategy #2: Transportation Strategy #3: Waste and Recycling Strategy #4: Other Campus Practices Ensuring Success through Education and Outreach 16 Strategy #5: Education Strategy #6: Outreach Metrics for Evaluation 20 Summary 22

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7 Sustainability at MVC

8 Background In 2008, Mountain View College created the campus Green Team, which guided the college through AASHE s (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) initial STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System) pilot project. The pilot took place from February 2008 to January 2009 and involved 66 institutions in the U.S. and Canada. In 2011, Mountain View College President Felix A. Zamora signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The Climate Commitment includes the development of both a comprehensive calculation of greenhouse gases (GHG) produced from campus operations and an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral. In 2013, MVC illustrated its commitment to sustainability and climate action by funding the first full-time sustainability position in the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). As illustrative of sustainability s importance throughout the campus, the Green Team became the Sustainability Steering Committee and almost immediately began planning climate neutrality strategies, goals, actions and timelines. Since its launch in 2006, ACUPCC has helped transition the sustainability movement in higher education from a series of isolated projects to a cohesive network of shared best practices, successful solutions, and deep investment in sustainability education for all students. It is a guiding body that raises public awareness and develops strategic plans for reducing the ecological footprint of the higher education community. Signatory institutions have completed thousands of projects to reduce energy use, curb greenhouse gas emissions, engage students in deep systems thinking, and save money demonstrating powerful and necessary leadership for the rest of society. As an ACUPCC signatory, MVC has made a commitment to reach carbon neutrality, thereby improving the economic, social and ecological conditions on campus and in our community. Mountain View College s Framework for Climate Action includes: Emissions Target #1: Strive to reduce carbon emissions to 25% below 2008 levels by Emissions Target #2: Strive to achieve climate neutrality by Interim targets for goals and actions that will lead to climate neutrality. Actions to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experience for all students. Actions to expand outreach to students, faculty, staff, community, businesses and other stakeholders Mechanisms for tracking progress on goals and actions 2

9 Business-as-usual trend Metric Tons of CO 2 Equivalents Target Emissions Projected Emissions Figure 1 MVC s Carbon Emissions: Target and Projected Emissions Role of the Framework for Climate Action MVC s Framework for Climate Action is a comprehensive guide to reach carbon neutrality, suggesting target emissions and recommending prospective strategies to attain both short- and longterm goals. To meet Emissions Target #1 of 25% below 2008 levels by 2020, MVC will attempt to reach 6,391.6 MT CO 2 (e) of emissions prior to To meet Emissions Target #2 of carbon neutrality by 2035, MVC will attempt to reduce its baseline emissions by 34.2%, or 3,427.4 MT CO 2 (e), annually from 2020 to 2035 (assuming current amount of emissions). As shown in Figure 1, if MVC continues on a business-as-usual trend, the campus may produce as much as 14,740 MT CO 2 (e) by Utilizing data from the annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (GHG), the Framework for Climate Action offers information on recent, current, and proposed strategies to reduce emissions from energy consumption, transportation, solid & water waste and other pollutants (including refrigerants and fertilizers). The GHG and proposed carbon reduction strategies are presented in the following sections of this plan. 3

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11 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

12 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory To uphold its commitment to the ACUPCC and better guide the college toward carbon neutrality, MVC completed its first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (GHG) in The inventory identified direct and indirect emissions in three areas resulting from college activities, that include energy, transportation, and waste. The GHG inventory offers a holistic insight to the college s carbon footprint and strengthens MVC s approach toward becoming a carbon neutral and sustainable college. Methodology and Limitations Operational boundaries for this inventory consisted of MVC s 210 acres that include the five buildings that make up the main campus, the Athletic Complex and the wooded wildlife habitat on the north end of the campus. To conduct the GHG inventory, MVC s Facility Services staff used data provided by Admissions, Purchasing, Business Services, and Institutional Effectiveness to determine the environmental impact of the college. Staff selected the Campus Carbon Calculator by Clean Air Cool Planet, (CA-CP) calculator version 6.4, 1 a widely-used measurement tool designed specifically for college campuses. Emission categories were limited to those in the CA- CP calculator and were multiplied by the appropriate global warming potential conversion factors. Emissions categories included: total fuel usage waste production fertilizer use natural gas energy consumption commuter miles air miles traveled The accuracy of emissions data was directly associated with the availability of records related to emissions from MVC contracted business partners and stakeholders, such as product vendors, food suppliers, garbage/recycling haulers, and electricity providers. Throughout the data collection process, and engagement with units and personnel at MVC, problematic areas in data measurement, collection, and accessibility were identified. Data limitations included: Commuting The total mileage was calculated for only the two long semesters of 32 weeks. Thus, it likely underestimates the actual yearly emissions by at least 15%. Air travel Total air miles was based on a conversion factor from expenditures to miles. Sustainability Metrics to determine what initiatives are more sustainable than others with associated emission reduction and culture impact on campus. Emission data Campus data sources and information are not related in order to ensure a cohesive and effective data collection process. Results and Analysis Results of the GHG Inventory were typified into three emissions categories: Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Figure 2 illustrates the emission sources. Scope 1 emissions are produced from college-owned or -controlled sources and include: Natural gas consumption (stationary combustion), MVC s vehicle fleet (mobile combustion) and fugitive emissions. 2 For the baseline year 2008, MVC s Scope 1 emissions were 60.5 MT CO 2 (e). 1 Clean Air-Cool Planet, Campus Carbor Calculator, campus-carbon-calculator/ 2 Emissions resulting from intentional or unintentional releases of greenhouse gases, such as hydro-fluoro-carbons (HFCs) from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment (ACUPCC, 2007). 6

13 Figure 2 Greenhouse Gases measured in the CA-CP calculator. Scope 2 emissions result from the production and transmission of energy such as electricity and chilled water that is purchased from off-campus sources. Since they are not produced on-campus, they are considered as indirect emissions resulting from the purchase and consumption of electricity. Electricity purchased makes up 100% of Scope 2 emissions and comprises approximately 38.92%, or 3,900.9 MT CO 2 (e), of MVC s total 10,021.6 MT CO 2 (e) emissions in MVC does not currently own or operate an electricity generating facility. Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the institution, but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the institution (ACUPCC, 2007). For the college s GHG inventory purposes, these include emissions from sources such as commuting, travel, garbage, and sewage. Not included in the inventory are the indirect emissions generated from the manufacture and transport of products purchased by the college and other outsourced activities. Scope III emissions accounted for 6,171.4 MT CO 2 (e), or 61.58%, of MVC s total 2012 GHG emissions. Transportation Survey As a community college with no residential housing, MVC is, by nature, a commuter school. Although Dallas DART system is continually expanding northward, given MVC s geographic location in southeast Dallas, mass transit is not available for our entire service area. Therefore, most of MVC s students commute to campus via personal automobiles. Additionally, a majority of faculty and staff members also commute to campus from surrounding cities. Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Table 1 provides a summation of emissions and energy consumption by source. MVC s total emissions are more than 10,000 MT Co 2 (e). After collecting the data for Scopes 1, 2, and 3, we calculated the annual percentage decrease, per each emission source, necessary for MVC to reach carbon neutrality by Figure 3 illustrates the emission sources as divided into these three categories. 7

14 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Chart Category % reduction/yr (est) Scope 1 Direct Transportation % Agriculture % Scope 2 Purchased Electricity 3, , % Scope 3 Commuting Faculty/Staff % Students 3, , , % Air Travel % Solid Waste % Paper Purchasing % Scope 2 T&D Losses % Offsets (108.9) (108.9) (108.9) Net Totals MT eco2 8, , ,741.2 Table 1 MVC s total GHG emissions and annual reductions necessary to reach our goal of carbon neutrality by

15 Scope 1 n Direct Transportation 1% n Agriculture.04% Scope 2 n Purchased Electricity 39% Figure 3 Emission sources as divided into Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 categories. Scope 3 n Faculty/Staff Commuting 5% n Student Commuting 47% n Air Travel 1% n Solid Waste 5% n Paper Purchasing 1% n Scope 2 T&D Losses 4% 9

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17 Carbon Reduction Strategies

18 Carbon Reduction Strategies As a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, MVC is dedicated to strive toward carbon neutrality by the year As an institution of higher education, MVC has the capacity to develop innovative and comprehensive strategies to offset emissions. Such strategies will facilitate system-wide collaboration and affect behavior change. The following carbon reduction strategies will provide a preliminary framework to address college emissions and should be explored fully. Strategy #1: Energy The second largest source of MVC s carbon emissions results from the use of electricity. From , MVC consumed approximately 36.5 million kwh. This electricity consumption produced an estimated 46,814.6 MT CO2(e). Identifying strategies to decrease aggregate electricity demands will help MVC reduce emissions and cut costs associated with utility expenses. In addition to addressing demandside energy needs, MVC should actively explore alternative options for supply-side energy. MVC has already implemented numerous programs and initiatives that continue to reduce the college s overall electricity consumption by promoting energy conservation and efficiency both on and off campus. MVC is committed to the continuation of these efforts, as well as exploring the feasibility of new, innovative projects and programs that support the college s objectives to reach carbon neutrality, become a sustainability leader, and promote sustainability throughout the core curriculum. Built Environment/Technological Upgrades One major source of MVC s electricity-related emissions results from the built environment. The college has taken proactive steps to offset carbon emissions by becoming an Energy Star Partner. Alternative Energy Sources MVC will be installing eight solar-powered light standards in the east parking lot. Current energy conservation initiatives include: 85% of motors and pumps are on variable frequency drives campus HVAC run-time has been decreased by two hours a new 1,000-ton energy-efficient chiller was installed in 2010 campus lighting systems are on central controls to monitor and schedule run-times major equipment starts at staggered intervals to reduce high energy loads Future energy conservation goals include: replace current 750,000 gallon thermal storage tank with two million gallon capacity tank continue improving building efficiency continue improving lighting efficiency reduce printer usage/number of printers reduce personal appliances purchase only Energy Star equipment/appliances continue improving HVAC efficiency 12

19 Strategy #2: Transportation Transportation-related activities are the largest source of carbon emissions at MVC. Minimal access to public transportation in our service area poses a significant challenge for MVC to reduce Scope 3 emissions. It is unlikely that we have the capacity to fully eliminate carbon emissions related to transportation. However, the college has the potential to affect behavior change associated with public transportation by implementing a variety of initiatives that provide charging stations for electric vehicles and encourage public & alternative modes of transportation. Limit Necessary Transportation to and from Campus The majority of transportation emissions result from students, faculty, and staff commuting to and from campus. MVC has the ability to reduce these emissions by limiting the number of necessary trips required for work and class. This can be achieved by expanding the use of online, hybrid, and next generation courses while incentivizing the development of additional online learning programs. Additionally, MVC can explore an increased use of telecommunications and videoconferencing capabilities to further reduce the overall number of commuter trips. MVC will continue its summer schedule of four tenhour days over nine weeks. This program not only reduces our transportation GHG emissions, it also reduces our contribution to the Dallas/Fort Worth area s extensive ozone problem. The DFW sixteencounty region has been in non-compliance with the EPA Clean Air Act since 1997 and is a designated non-attainment area for excessive and harmful ozone levels. Support Public and Alternative Transportation MVC encourages students, faculty, and staff to utilize public transportation options to reduce emissions associated with personal automobiles. As an educational leader in southwest Dallas, MVC should continue to facilitate and support public transportation programs and promote the use of lowemission or high-efficiency vehicles. Exploring the expansion of campus infrastructure to accommodate the needs of hybrid, flex-fuel, and electric vehicles is an additional way for MVC to be proactive in reducing transportation-related emissions. College Vehicle Fleet and Air Travel Considering the immense challenges associated with transportation emissions, MVC should explore the means to reduce emissions that result from the college vehicle fleet. This could be achieved by expanding the use of alternative fuel and electric vehicles. Additionally, MVC should evaluate all college-funded air travel to determine the feasibility of utilizing alternatives such as videoconferencing. For unavoidable air travel, the college can counter GHG emissions by purchasing carbon offsets. Current transportation initiatives include: providing a DART bus stop on the east side of campus offering reduced-rate passes (DART bus and rail) for students, faculty, and staff providing access to two electric vehicle chargers on the east side of campus Future transportation goals include: continue promoting use of mass transit and alternative transportation sources (carpooling, bicycles, etc.) decrease air travel by faculty and staff by promoting use of telecommunications and videoconferencing decrease campus commutes by increasing availability of online courses evaluate campus delivery schedules to decrease transportation emissions implement idling restrictions, especially during ozone season decrease commutes for district training by bringing trainers to MVC 13

20 Strategy #3: Waste and Recycling As compared to energy and transportation, solid and water waste account for only 5.41% of MVC s total emissions. Although less than other emission sources, it is important that MVC reduce and divert waste produced on campus. Strengthening current waste minimization and recycling programs can provide valuable educational opportunities to inform the MVC community about consumption practices and affect positive behavior change. Solid Waste A major source of solid waste on campus is paper products. Utilizing online teaching tools and digitizing documents will help reduce the emissions associated with paper and ink while decreasing printing costs. Additional sources of solid waste include plastic, aluminum, cardboard, furniture, electronics, and food all of which can be recycled, composted, or sold at inventory auction. It is essential for MVC to maintain its commitment to reduce solid waste and identify avenues to promote the production and use of sustainable products. Current solid and water waste reduction initiatives include: installation of auto-flush, low-flow toilets installation of water-reducing aerators on all faucets use of landscaping trimmings as mulch installation of rain sensors on irrigation systems Future solid and water waste reduction goals include: reduce garbage by increasing use of reusable bags, bottles and mugs reduce paper purchases by increasing use of digital documents and limiting access to printers increase recycling efforts campus-wide through education and special projects find recycler for rigid styrofoam packaging launch composting program associated with community garden launch organics recycling program in breakrooms for coffee grounds One of the most effective ways to reduce waste emissions at MVC is to further improve recycling programs on campus. Each year, MVC collects almost 20,000 lbs. of solid waste. A large majority of this waste consists of paper and plastic, materials that can be composted or recycled. The college spends approximately $8,500 to remove these materials from campus each year. Water Waste In addition to solid waste, MVC must continue to identify methods to reduce water waste on campus. The college has already implemented several programs targeted at reducing water consumption, including the installation of low-flow toilets and drip irrigation. Additionally, campus landscapes are being converted to drought-resistant native plants. 14

21 Strategy #4: Other Campus Practices MVC will continue to explore initiatives and policies to reduce emissions from refrigerant and fertilizer use. Synthetic fertilizer will hopefully be addressed in future contracts with associations using the Athletic Complex. On the rest of the campus, MVC uses a mixture of approximately 50% organic and 50% synthetic fertilizers. We also use shredded tree and leaf material from the campus to fertilize and prevent erosion in various landscape areas. MVC has already moved to using green cleaning supplies and experienced related gains in air quality and reductions in emissions. MVC will continue to provide funding for the planting and maintenance of campus trees and is reviewing the criteria for earning the Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. Additionally, MVC has submitted its application to the National Wildlife Federation to be a Certified WILDLIFE Habitat. Future goals include: developing a community garden installing and maintaining an aquaponics learning lab reduce use of ozone-depleting refrigerants/upgrade to R-410A phase out use of synthetic fertilizers increase use of mulch to conserve water replace all paint and adhesives with low- and no- VOC alternatives to improve indoor air quality protect and increase biodiversity on campus 15

22 Ensuring Success through Education and Outreach MVC s approach to carbon neutrality cannot be focused solely on operational practices. The college engages itself in a variety of other activities that affect emissions at the local and regional scale, including education and outreach. The recommended carbon reduction strategies must also apply to these institutional components. Recognizing the need to holistically address the college s environmental impact, the 2014 MVC Framework for Climate Action must also be utilized to guide education and outreach endeavors. Strategy #5: Education In teaching, colleges are training the generation of leaders and experts who will largely be responsible for creating a more sustainable society that perpetually thrives and enriches all the world s populations. To achieve success, graduating students must understand the pertinent social and scientific issues related to environmental problems and be able to use them intelligently and effectively to bring about change. MVC currently offers numerous classes that offer sustainability-related issues for consideration. We are in the process of developing a sustainability pathway that will bestow a green cord upon graduates who have completed 18 hours of courses that include economic responsibility, ecological resilience and social justice. Drawing upon the college s strengths in several disciplines relating to environmental sciences, engineering, philosophy, resource depletion and conservation, biodiversity and ecosystems, economic development, and social organizational structures, MVC will soon be developing a continuing education certificate program in its Entrepreneurial College and Workforce Development areas. Current education initiatives include: participation in the Don t Cancel That Class program that offers three sustainability-related presentations to professors who would otherwise have to cancel class in order to attend professional development workshops and conferences. participation in MVC s Engineering Club and other student organizations district-wide training on the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development resources on MVC s sustainability website for students, faculty and staff: external websites, TED Talks, Instructables Future education goals include: integration of sustainability throughout the curriculum utilizing Campus Learning Lab projects: community garden, composting area, and aquaponics lab development of sustainability workshop for Entrepreneurial College presentation of basic sustainability workshops to faculty and staff integration of sustainability-focused books into MVC s digital library development of a sustainability-based pathway for high school students to enter MVC with a basic understanding of how sustainability fits throughout the core curriculum development of a sustainability-based pathway for associate degree graduates to continue to a fouryear institution with an understanding of how sustainability fits into their future degree plans 16

23 Strategy #6: Outreach In addition to teaching initiatives, MVC recognizes the essential role outreach plays in disseminating information, spreading awareness, and encouraging change. MVC strives to achieve a monumental shift in cultural perceptions and behavioral standards relating to areas of environmental concern. To accomplish such an exacting venture, the Center for a Sustainable in addition to other units across the campus, has enlisted the support and advocacy of several departments, student organizations, and educational programs for reaching out to the student body and surrounding community. The actions of MVC have significant potential to inspire others to assess and evaluate their own impact upon the local and global community. As such, MVC actively engages its public relations & marketing department to disseminate information related to sustainability initiatives and events. Current outreach initiatives include: Sustainability Speakers Series offered three times per semester includes business leaders, elected officials, panel discussions and movie screenings campus-wide events including Campus Sustainability Day, Earth Day, RecycleMania, Great Nature Project, Arbor Day, etc. social media efforts include Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard, Instagram, YouTube and Paper.li Future outreach goals include: increase community involvement by offering involvement opportunities in the upcoming community garden, composting area, and aquaponics lab development of resource s to share sustainability tools and opportunities with faculty partner with outside groups for presentations, events, and resources: Sierra Club, US Green Building Council, Audubon Society, North Texas Renewable Energy Group, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, National Wildlife Federation, Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability, Nature Conservancy, Earth Day Dallas, local fouryear colleges, the City of Dallas, etc. 17

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25 Metrics for Evaluation

26 Metrics for Evaluation The 2014 MVC Framework for Climate Action provides a guide to achieve carbon neutrality, recommending comprehensive strategies to reduce emissions in all areas of college activity. To further guide MVC along a sustainable path, it is recommended that a series of metrics be implemented in order to continuously evaluate the college s progress toward carbon neutrality. Such metrics will include participation in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS). STARS Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is a comprehensive self-evaluation tool that offers colleges and universities the ability to assess current practices to better identify areas that need improvement. STARS provides valuable metrics to enhance existing environmental initiatives while suggesting additional strategies to promote campus sustainability. MVC is currently a member of AASHE and will begin utilizing the STARS metric in

27 Summary

28 Summary The 2013 MVC Framework for Climate Action will help guide the college to carbon neutrality. It provides feasible recommendations and strategies to assist the college on a path of sustainable development. In its quest to increase enrollment and graduation rates, and to become a leader in sustainability education and initiatives, MVC must consider its impact upon the local and global community. As such, this Framework for Climate Action represents a mechanism that the college can reference as it continues to grow and thrive. With an initial assessment of MVC s 2008 carbon emissions, it was determined that the largest source of greenhouse gases result from transportationrelated activities and electricity use. College waste, pesticides, and fertilizers produce smaller amounts of emissions. Utilizing the results of the greenhouse gas emissions inventory, several carbon reduction strategies were proposed to increase efficiency, limit electricity consumption, reduce waste, and identify carbon offset measures. Although these strategies are viable options to help MVC reduce aggregate emissions, the college must not discount the important roles of education and outreach on its path toward sustainability. Additionally, the college must recognize the necessity to implement appropriate metrics to assess and evaluate campus initiatives. Such metrics include the use of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS). Contributors Many thanks to members of MVC s Sustainability Steering Committee whose insights and innovative ideas will assist the college in achieving its sustainability goals. Pat Broda Adam Cochran Sharon Davis Cathy Edwards Brenda Epperson Dr. Jesse Fox Jimmy Gresham Dr. Sarah Hutchings Dr. Stephen Jones Phillip Keller Patricia Lyons Edward Marengo Cristina Medina Marcy Miller Dr. Lynn Millwood Donyan Rogers Essence Braggs (student) Lori De La Cruz, ABC (Sustainability Coordinator) For MVC to reach carbon neutrality by 2035, uphold its commitment as a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, and be a regional leader in sustainability, the college must take proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions associated with campus operations. Additionally, the college must leverage its resources in areas of education and outreach to inspire others and affect behavioral change. 22

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