East Tennessee State University
Carbon Reduction Plan
January 2010
Introduction
This document is a preliminary summary of East Tennessee State University’s efforts at
reducing our carbon footprint. It offers the opportunity to take a comprehensive, holistic
look at environmental issues—to take a snapshot assessment of where the University is—
and to formulate a strategy for further action.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
An analysis of East Tennessee State University’s carbon dioxide emissions (carbon
footprint) was conducted for fiscal year 2008-2009. These calculations are necessary in
assessing the University’s obligations relative to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
reporting requirements as well as establishing a current status for use in future campus
master planning and sustainability goals. This effort was limited to Scopes 1, 2, and 3 as
defined by EPA.
Brief Result Analysis
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Scope 1 emissions are below EPA Reporting Rules effective January 2010 (25,000
MT without fleet).
While coal and natural gas are contributors to the overall CO2 emissions and should
still be considered in attempts to reduce emissions, the most significant source of
emissions are relative to Scope 2 Sources, specifically electrical power consumption.
Percentages of each CO2 Emission Source
Electrical Power - 54.5% (Scope 2)
Transportation – 23.4% (Scope 3)
Coal – 10.8% (Scope 1)
Natural Gas – 10.5% (Scope 1)
Fleet Vehicles – 0.7% (Scope 1)
Fuel Oil - >0.1% (Scope 1)
Carbon Reduction Recommendations
The Greenhouse Gas Inventory findings showed that the University’s most prevalent source
of CO2 emissions were from electrical power generation. As ETSU does not generate its
own power and must purchase this power from TVA, the only recourse for the University is
to reduce energy consumption thru conservation, efficiency and direct renewable energy
production. The following recommendations will assist the University in developing a plan
of action for reducing our carbon footprint.
Target Reduction Goals
The American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009 recommends that carbon pollution be
reduced by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, by 42% in 2030 and 83% in 2050. The Act
also dictates that new buildings be 30% more energy efficient by 2012 and 50% by 2016.
While these targets may be difficult to achieve, ETSU will strive to meet these targets by
adopting the following strategies.
Efficiency
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Improve the energy performance of existing campus buildings through
improvements to their envelopes and building systems (i.e. HVAC, electrical and
mechanical upgrades, windows, LED lighting, etc.).
Assign priorities for improvements based on the energy audit of buildings on
campus and on academic program and availability.
Meter all buildings for water, power, and steam.
Minimize the use of air-conditioning and heating in campus buildings by
increasing/decreasing set points.
Improve the efficiency of utility systems by upgrading steam lines, etc. as necessary.
Introduce monitoring and metering devices so that leaks and losses can be readily
identified and excessive usage can be curtailed.
Purchase energy star appliances per State of Tennessee Executive Order 59.
Conservation
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Meet or exceed the minimum standards of the Tennessee Board of Regents
Sustainable Design Guidelines for all renovation and new construction projects.
Continue shifting campus fleet vehicles where appropriate from gasoline or diesel
fuels to electric power or hybrid fuel.
Institute transportation demand management strategies to reduce private vehicular
use by faculty, staff, and students.
Develop and support policies and infrastructure that encourage alternative
transportation use (bicycle, mass transit, pedestrian walkways, etc.).
Encourage behavioral changes for students, faculty, and staff thru educational
campaigns, public relations, purchasing standards and written policies.
Direct Renewable Energy Production
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Conduct an alternative energy assessment of the campus to better understand what
forms of alternate energy (i.e. geothermal, solar, wind, etc.) are feasible and how
best to employ them.
Investigate the feasibility of solar heating for domestic hot water.
Other
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Develop a detailed 10 year Carbon Mitigation Plan with the assistance of a
consultant. Provide an evaluation of potential projects with cost/benefit analysis
and simple payback calculations.