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

ACUPCC Presidents Climate Commitment – Achieve climate neutrality (date TBD) – Initiate tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – Publish the climate action plan, emissions inventory, and periodic progress reports

What is eCO 2 ? Equivalent carbon dioxide emissions Standard measurement for global warming potential – Carbon Dioxide – Methane – Nitrous Oxide – Halocarbons – Sulfur Hexafluoride

2010 Total eCO 2 Emissions Total Emissions: 38,870 metric tons eCO 2 o Transportation produces 8,247 MT eCO 2

eCO 2 Production by Sources 2008 & 2010 (MT)

Transportation Subgroups Directly Financed Outsourced Travel – Includes all hired transportation, such as bus systems, rental car travel, etc. Emissions calculated using data collected by Blackhawk Express and UW-Eau Claire Direct Transportation Services. Direct Transportation – Includes the university fleet (campus police vehicles, trucksters, and university-owned vehicles), lawnmowers, and other maintenance equipment. Emissions calculated using data collected by UW-Eau Claire Direct Transportation Services. Commuting – Emissions calculated using data collected via campus-wide survey. Response rate: XX% student, XX% faculty, XX% staff – Full survey available in 2010 Report (Appendix C)

Transportation Subgroups Directly Financed Air Travel – Includes all University-refunded air travel. Emissions calculated using data collected by UW-Eau Claire Accounts Payable. Study Abroad Travel – Emissions calculated for to- and from- study abroad destination only. Emissions calculated using campus-wide survey data. Non-reimbursed University-related Travel – Includes any personal travel (such as travel for student teaching, conferences, etc.) relating to University business. Emissions calculated using campus-wide survey data.

Transportation Data Subgroups of TransportationeCO 2 Emitted (Metric Tons) Directly Financed Outsourced Travel60 Direct Transportation324 Commuting741 Directly Financed Air Travel1,198 Study Abroad1,771 Non-reimbursed University-related Travel4,154 Total Transportation Emissions8,247

Transportation Emissions Total Transportation Emissions: 8,247 Metric Tons eCO 2

Transportation Recommendations Keep Detailed and Efficient Records Promote Alternative Modes of Transportation – Bike – Bus – Carpool – Rideshare Purchase Carbon Credits to Offset Study Abroad Emissions

Keep Detailed and Efficient Records While compiling the 2010 GHG Emissions Inventory, it was sometimes difficult to find detailed records. We recommend that the University implement a structured record-keeping system that divides data into common subgroups. For example, travel costs, currently reported as single whole-dollar amounts, should be identified by the constituent parts: transportation, food, lodging, etc. By separating data into categories, more accurate research about the University’s carbon footprint can be readily compiled.

Promote Alternative Modes of Transportation Bike Limiting personal motor vehicle use is one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to reduce UW-Eau Claire’s carbon footprint. If the University reduced emissions from personal motor vehicle commuting by one-third, nearly 250 MT of eCO2, 0.6% of the total carbon footprint, could be eliminated. Construction activities related to the new University Student Center have reduced parking availability on campus, compelling the campus community to examine alternative transportation modes. It is vital that the administration support the development of these alternatives. In the fiscal year, the University’s Environmental Adventure Center added 15 new bicycles to its bike rental program. The University should not just promote but also support a more bike-friendly atmosphere by providing more bike racks, covered bike racks, changing facilities, and better outdoor lighting. The Clean Commute Initiative, established in 2007 by UW-Eau Claire faculty and staff, seeks to increase the number of people who pledge to commute to campus by healthy and environmentally friendly means, such as biking and walking. The 2008 report recommended including students in this Initiative, and that recommendation still stands. Bus Additionally, the University should always encourage use of the Eau Claire city bus system. We recommend that a relevant and user-friendly bus information board be incorporated in the new University Student Center, and that a covered bus stop and information center be included in new academic buildings.

Promote Alternative Modes of Transportation Carpool For those students, faculty, and staff who need to drive a personal vehicle to campus due to distance or weather- related reasons, carpooling should be encouraged as a more environmentally friendly option. Because carpooling can be a minor inconvenience, it is imperative that substantial incentives be offered to increase carpooling participation. In Fall 2010, the University will designate Preferred Parking spaces for those vehicles that have a university-issued carpool-parking permit. To help drivers to find carpool passengers, an online system should be implemented that allows university members to search for others in their area who are interested in carpooling. Rideshare The University Housing Office is in the process of updating the online ride share board, which was first implemented around Another resource is the actual ride board, currently located in W.R. Davies University Center, which helps students find rides to various Wisconsin and Minnesota cities. Students are able to communicate where they want to travel, and whether they are looking for additional passengers or a driver going in the same direction. However, many students are unaware of these options. We recommend that the information be entered into the University-provided agenda planner. In addition, the ride share option should be advertised to those students in residence halls who may not have a personal vehicle or who may be traveling home more often. Furthermore, the ride share board should be updated regularly. The University may consider cooperating with the computer science department to incorporate upkeep into a capstone or class requirement.

Purchase Carbon Credits to Offset Study Abroad Emissions In keeping with the end goal of creating a more sustainable campus, we suggest that the University should not purchase carbon credits to offset emissions that they are able to reduce through behavioral shifts and campus improvements; however, carbon credits could be purchased to offset emissions that the University is unable or unwilling to reduce. For example, UW-Eau Claire prides itself on high participation rates in its study abroad program. Because the University continues to encourage and increase this program, these emissions will not be reduced. In this case, we recommend that the University purchase 13 carbon credits each year to offset these emissions. During the fiscal year, 1,771 MT eCO 2 were emitted by study abroad travel. If the University purchased carbon credits at $107 per MT of eCO 2, the total cost for offsetting study abroad travel would be $17,710. Students at UW-Eau Claire voted in 2009 to establish a $10 per semester per student “green fund,” included as a segregated fee on tuition bills; the Environmental Endeavors Commission (EEC) manages this fund. Totaling about $220,000 per academic year, the fund is intended to finance sustainability projects on campus. We recommend that funding be obtained to purchase these offsets from organizations such as the EEC or the University Foundation.

Additional Information For more detailed information, please view the 2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report & Recommendations for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in full at: