DRAFT
Climate Action Plan
June 25, 2010
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...………………………………………………………………………. 2
INTRODUCTION …. ..…………………………………………………………………………… 2
HISTORY OF SUSTAINABILITY AT UNION COLLEGE ………….……………………………. 3
U-SUSTAIN ………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
CAMPUS EMISSIONS ………………………………………………………………………….. 10
EMISSION GOALS ……………………………………………………………………………… 12
GREEN STANDARDS …………………………………………………………………………... 13
EDUCATING FOR THE FUTURE ……………………………………………………………….. 14
Page 1
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Executive Summary
Union College’s Climate Action plan outlines the measures necessary to reduce carbon
emissions with the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral.
This report refers to the baseline data which was generated in 2008 and describes
subsequent reductions to this baseline with eventual carbon neutrality. It further lays out
the key milestones for reduction with neutrality coming by the year 2060:
15% reduction by 2015; 34% by 2025; 53% by 2035; 72% by 2045; and 91% by 2055
The document is meant to be a dynamic one and goals should be adjusted as the
environmental issues change. As the goals are met and future technology utilized, it is
expected that the plan can be modified by the appropriate Faculty, Staff and students
to more aggressively meet the needs of the planet.
Further, this plan establishes standards for future building construction and renovation as
well as mechanical system guidelines, purchasing of appliances, vehicles and other
materials as well as recycling, transportation and consumption/conservation.
As the Environmental Stewards, the college has a responsibility to educate and
promote all of the efforts described in this document and develop the future leaders to
be able to carry out its mission.
Introduction
In 2007, Union College President Ainlay signed the American College and University
Presidents Climate Commitment.
“ The American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) is a
high-visibility effort to address global climate disruption undertaken by a network of
colleges and universities that have made institutional commitments to eliminate net
greenhouse gas emissions from specified campus operations, and to promote the
research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the
earth’s climate. Its mission is to accelerate progress towards climate neutrality and
sustainability by empowering the higher education sector to educate students, create
solutions, and provide leadership-by-example for the rest of society.”
Page 2
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
In recent years Union has been a leader amongst its peers in energy conservation and
Sustainability efforts as the April, 2010 appointment to the Princeton Review’s 286
“Greenest Colleges in America” demonstrates.
However, the ACUPCC requires significant further aggressive reductions in our carbon
footprint and eventual “carbon neutrality” within the next few generations of Union
students. This document outlines some of the actions which will be taken towards these
goals.
History of Sustainability at Union College
A Brief History of “Sustainability” at Union College Facilities Services
o
Early 1990’s - Union College gets involved with the US EPA “Green Lights”
Program
o A national campaign to replace outdated, energy wasting lighting
devices with new, state of the art, efficient light bulbs
o Over the next few years, most fluorescent lighting fixtures were
updated with a new electronic ballasts reducing significantly the
energy used.
o Many fluorescent tubes were updated at the same time with
modern, energy efficient fluorescent tubes.
o The college became a beta sight for many new styles of
incandescent replacement light bulbs including the new compact
fluorescents.
o Many of the old outdoor incandescent lights were replaced with the
then new, high-efficiency sodium vapor lamps.
o
In 1996 we rebuilt one of our two main boilers with state-of-the-art multi-fuel
burner and controls. At the same time it was upgraded to meet future emission
requirements. In fact, the NOX emissions were undetectable in tests performed. It
was the only boiler of this size in New York State to achieve these test results, and to
Page 3
Union College Climate Action Plan
o
o
o
DRAFT
this day is still visited by various engineers from companies about to embark on a
similar project.
1996 to 1998 - all motors on campus greater that 1 ½ HP are replaced with
“premium efficiency” motors. These motors were typically 17 to 22% more efficient
than those replaced.
In 1996, 97 and 98 we stayed involved with the EPA’s Energy Star and Green Lights
Program, and as a result of our continued improvements to the efficiency and
quality of campus lighting and controls we were listed on the Organization’s “Honor
Roll.” This fact was documented on web sites and in several trade journals. Union
College was also honored at the annual EPA Energy Star Awards Ceremony for
those years.
o We continue to stay involved with this program and are still
considered an active Energy Star Partner.
o We are in the process of getting several of our buildings qualified as
Energy Star Buildings.
In 2005, Students formed “U-Recycle” which was the original student-run recycling
program. Over 400 lbs. per week were recycled. Today it is many more times this
amount.
Ongoing Projects toward the goal of a Sustainable Campus
o
o
o
o
We continue to look for energy-saving projects that provide reasonable ROI and
expedient payback.
In 2006 we proposed 6 projects which would provide important upgrades to the
campus mechanical systems.
These projects totaled $2.76M but provided a 22% annual return. The average
payback time was 4.5 years
We have commenced two of these projects and will address the others in the
future. These projects in process are:
o The update of portions of the S&E building controls
o We have completed one phase of this project in one of the several
equipment spaces in the building complex. The project included
installation of modern controls and addressed the deferred
maintenance issues in one of the mechanical spaces.
o
Additional lighting occupancy sensors
o
A local supplier performed an extensive survey of several of our
building spaces to determine which types of spaces would benefit the
most from these controllers.
o
We have an on going program of installing units in these priority
spaces.
Page 4
Union College Climate Action Plan
o
DRAFT
Future/ongoing Projects toward the goal of a Sustainable Campus
Assisted the Union Dining Services department by installing a compost
tub for food wastes in our kitchens. This unit recycles food wastes into useable
compost that is used in the Union College “Octopus” Organic Garden.
o
Proposed the installation a system of rainwater collection barrels on
campus. Collected water will be reused to irrigate our Jackson’s Garden
formal perennial area.
o
We have purchased several electric vehicles that are now part of our fleet:
Electric vehicles will continue to replace our aging fossil-fueled fleet.
o
We are providing more lighting on campus Using LED technology. We are
retro fitting the Campus exterior traditional light fixtures located throughout
campus with high efficiency LED lamps as well as numerous indoor fixtures.
o
We have converted one of our residences at 712 Roger Hull Place/EcoHouse in the College Park neighborhood to a model sustainable house
including solar power, low water use toilets, and other “green” systems and
furnishings. We have also provided internet visibility which of the energy usage
and other functions of the residence and is a living laboratory for students to
monitor the functions of the house.
o
Union College/Plug Power/National Grid have collaborated by installing a
fuel-cell in the Beuth House student residence as a test site for Plug Power to
determine the use of their product for medium to large sized residential
applications. The fuel-cell is designed to replace the common boiler in the
home and generate electricity by converting natural gas to hydrogen to
create power. The Unit known as GenSys is a 5-kilowatt system. The unit
provides both heat and power to the building. The existing boiler will be used
as a backup in case it is needed
o
The College has engaged Novus Engineering to perform an energy audit
on our largest buildings and that study is currently underway. We expect the
results of the study to be complete by August of ’10, and have commenced to
incorporate suggested energy saving improvements in the facilities renewal
process for fiscal year.
o
U-Sustain
Union is committed to promoting an ecologically friendly campus. In everything from
our living environment to academics to the daily operation of our buildings and
facilities, we are committed to reducing the ecological footprint of the College and
making our campus more sustainable.
U Sustain is a campus committee consisting of students, faculty, staff, and
administrators. Everyone on the committee participates voluntarily on top of their
everyday duties at Union. The full committee and all subcommittees are co-chaired by
Page 5
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
faculty, students, and staff. The chairs act as point people and send on any questions or
comments to the appropriate committee members.
Education and Outreach Subcommittee
Goals:
This subcommittee focuses on educating the campus community about sustainable
living so that the collective efforts of members of the campus community will result in
a net reduction in carbon emissions.
• Raise awareness of sustainable living on campus and in the community
• Serve as a hub for environmental groups on campus
• Interface with environmental groups off campus
Current Progress/Initiatives:
• Creation and implementation of sustainability training session in coordination
with ENS 460 class
• Incorporation of sustainability training session into first year orientation
• Updated Sustainability Guide for incoming first year students
• Continue to update U Sustain web site, including a continually updated list of news
items
• Plan and participate in Earth Day events on campus and at Schenectady
County Community College
• Organize volunteers for Household Hazardous Waste Collections and
Electronics Recycling events
Future Initiatives:
• Fall campus campaign: “Make This Term your Greenest Term” (education
initiatives, sustainability training sessions, pledge drive)
• More off-campus outreach and more contact with other organizations (ECOS:
Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady, SCCC, etc.)
• Establish liaisons in U Sustain from the Environmental Club, Ozone House,
Ozone Café
• Create an online sustainability calendar with information about on- and offcampus
events – link on U Sustain web site
Energy and Facilities
Goals:
• Reduce energy use through conservation, increased energy efficiency, and
alternative energy production.
• Coordinate construction and renovations to meet College commitment to LEED
standards
Current Projects/Initiatives:
• Construction of Wold Science and Engineering Center – LEED Gold certified
• Demonstration Fuel Cell installed in Beuth House – collaboration with
PlugPower.
• Installation of motion-sensors in appropriate locations
Page 6
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
• Continued lighting improvement (updated fluorescents and changeover to LED in
certain areas)
• Have commenced a campus-wide Energy Audit sponsored in part by NYSERDA.
Energy savings projects commenced
• Improvements in Building Management Systems
• Ongoing HVAC System Updates/Improvements
Future Projects:
• Continue implementation of recommendations of Energy Audit
• Renew Wind Credits to offset 15% of electricity consumption
• Reduce temperature set-points where possible to reduce energy use in Winter
• Overall, reduce energy consumption by 3-5% in next 5 years
Waste and Recycling
Goals:
• Decrease solid waste overall, particularly in peaks of September and January
• Creation of a work-study position for Waste Subcommittee.
Initiate new programs and help maintain current ones.
• Increase composting to Dutch Hollow, Upper Class Dining and Rathskellar
• Increase recycling rate and awareness prior to Recyclemania next year in hopes of
better participation.
• Educational campaign raising awareness about our enormous solid waste
production, about all of our recycling options, promoting products that are more
environmentally friendly and that have less packaging.
Current Projects/Initiatives:
• Participated in Recyclemania, including education campaign to increase recycling
and decrease waste production
• Student-run cardboard recycling program has expanded cardboard collection
beyond central collection points to include academic and residential buildings
• We are in the process of storing cardboard boxes from the cardboard recycling
program that are in good enough condition to be rebuilt and used again for
Union’s Ship-it-Home program.
Dining Services
Goals:
• Increase consumption of local and/or organic food
• Decrease carbon budget associated with dining services
• Decrease waste associated with dining services
Current Projects/Initiatives:
• Moved to bulk condiments
• Moved to single serve napkins
• O3 Marketplace sales doubled from previous year
• Composted almost 3 tons of food waste
• Expanded the “Octupus’”garden
Page 7
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
• Purchased roughly $225,000 of local produce
• Purchased a reusable mug and bag for the entire freshmen class
Future Initiatives
• Campus Kitchens to give leftover foods to local food pantries
• Expanding composting program
• Start to use reusable containers for Dutch Hollow
• Move forward with Beef Less Mondays in order to reduce carbon emissions
Transportation
Goals:
• Reduce miles driven by employees and students
• Specifically, we hope to encourage each employee to drive (alone) to campus one
day less per week, and to end student driving between campus points.
Current Projects/Initiatives
• Established three preferred parking spaces for carpools
• Bikeshare program
• Trolley transports students to points on campus and off.
Future Projects
• Expand number of spots for preferred parking spaces as demand requires
• Trolley Tracking Program will provide real-time, web-based location of trolley to
increase usage. (Collaboration between Mechanical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, and U Sustain)
• Development of web-based carpool finder system to increase carpooling by
employees and students
Academic Curriculum
General metrics
• Number of students taking classes with a significant focus have increased by more
than 2 ½ times in the last 7 years.
• The College has responded to this by increasing offerings, particularly within the
Environmental Studies program: ENS-100 (Introduction to Environmental
Studies) is offered every term (up from once per year in 2006-2007 and twice per
year in 2007-2008); courses in Green Buildings and Hydrology have been added;
the State of New York recently accredited a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Environmental Policy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental
Science; the Environmental Science major includes an Environmental
Engineering “track” that takes advantage of the unique opportunities that our
Engineering faculty provide; and a new minor in Environmental Engineering is
under consideration.
Page 8
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Purchasing
Goals:
• Ensure that supplies and equipment purchased will be as sustainable as possible,
from the perspective of energy efficiency, waste reduction, and/or utilization of
sustainable manufacturing practices
• Increase awareness and use of “green” vendors and their products by campus
community
• Increase use of recycled paper on campus while reducing overall use of paper
• Improve the disposition of assets
Current Projects/Initiatives:
• Eliminated the printing press and replaced it with a digital machine which uses
vegetable inks. This removal eliminated, petroleum products and hazardous waste
and also soiled rags and toxic fumes.
• Will convert Student Handbook to an online version for the 2010-2011 school
year. This move results in the following savings:
o 19 fewer trees harvested
o 31 million fewer BTU's
o 4552 pounds lower emissions of of CO2 (greenhouse gas)
o 15260 fewer gallons of water
o 1823 pounds less solid waste sent to landfills.
• Introduced of soy toners for laser printers, replacing petroleum-based inks
• Intoduced Auspens – refillable dry-erase markers
• U Exchange, a marketplace that enables the campus community to exchange used
items
Future Projects
• Will develop training session for double-sided copying in departments across
campus
• Collect sustainability policies from new and existing vendors; incorporate into
RFPs (request for proposals); With creation of preferred vendor database, include
vendor’s sustainability practices (when available); Educate campus community on
existence of database and promote its use
• Target departments that use a lot of paper (e.g. Student Activities, Residential
Life, Admissions, Bookstore, Printing Center) to partner with and brainstorm on
best practices
Presidential Green Grants
President Ainlay and Union College have made the firm commitment to make
Union’s operations more sustainable and to have a positive impact on the environment.
The Presidential Green Grants are one way that we are putting our money where our
mouth is.
Green Grant Award Categories:
• Initiatives to make Union College’s operations more sustainable
• Support for research projects designed to benefit the environment either
regionally or nationally.
Page 9
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Past Green Grant Award Winning projects:
• “Fabrication of an aerogel composite catalytic converter”
• “Design and implementation of a microwind turbine
• “Canvas bags for U”
• “The Union Exchange Website”
• “Examination of ocean wave energy through the method of a point absorber wave
energy buoy”
• “Octopus’ Garden Organic Garden expansion”
• “Mugs for Minervas”
• “Eco-Friendly Potting Shed”
• “An energy audit of Golub House and Fox Hall”
• “Lighting the way to a more environmentally friendly campus”
Facts:
• Proposal submissions from students, faculty and staff
• Campus projects will make quantitative improvements in our energy efficiency,
waste reduction, and sustainable dining choices.
• Research projects investigate alternative energies and green building
• Amounts awarded range from $500 to $2000.
• $16,000 awarded total in 2009
Acknowledgements:
• U Sustain and the Green Grants Committee
• President Ainlay and the Hewlett-Mellon Foundation
Campus Emissions
In 2008, Professor Jeffry Corbin got his students in his Environmental Studies class to
develop methodology to collectively measure the carbon footprint. Their first-pass
efforts were the basis of the original Greenhouse Gas Report for the college. At the
same time, our consultant Sightlines, also measured our Carbon footprint for their
Benchmarking and “Green Line” Services. The basis of their report was Clean Air – Cool
Planet.
By their calculation, our total baseline carbon inventory was 20,411 gross metric tons of
carbon dioxide emissions per year. 70.38% of this greenhouse gas emission was a result
of attributed to the electricity and heating fuel used for the campus.
Page 10
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Union College Carbon Footprint
2008
(Metric Tons CO2)
Scope 2 T&D Losses,
645.8 , 3.16%
Paper, 66.2 , 0.32%
Solid Waste, 186.0 ,
0.91%
Study Abroad Air Travel,
1,956.4 , 9.58%
Other On-Campus
Stationary, 7,844.8 ,
38.41%
Directly Financed Air
Travel, 2,442.8 , 11.96%
Student Commuting,
150.9 , 0.74%
Faculty / Staff
Commuting, 195.1 ,
0.96%
Direct Transportation,
393.0 , 1.92%
Refrigerants &
Chemicals, 3.9 , 0.02%
Purchased Electricity,
6,529.6 , 31.97%
Agriculture, 7.9 , 0.04%
In 2009, Union commenced an extensive Energy Audit by Novus Engineering funded inpart by NYSERDA’s “Flex-Tech Program.” As a result of some of the projects
recommended as well as Union’s Facilities Services’ continued aggressive energy saving
program, the overall energy usage for 2009 was decreased by 4.6% lowering our
carbon footprint to a gross 19,739 Metric Tons Carbon Dioxide.
Union’s continued commitment to not only energy savings, but emission reductions in
total will continue to be essential in its efforts toward carbon neutrality.
Page 11
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Union College Carbon Footprint
2009
(Metric Tons CO2)
Scope 2 T&D Losses,
634.0 , 3.21%
Paper, 66.2 , 0.34%
Solid Waste, 186.0 ,
0.94%
Other On-Campus
Stationary, 7,289.2 ,
36.93%
Study Abroad Air Travel,
1,979.7 , 10.03%
Directly Financed Air
Travel, 2,422.2 , 12.27%
Student Commuting,
150.9 , 0.76%
Faculty / Staff
Commuting, 195.1 ,
0.99%
Direct Transportation,
393.0 , 1.99%
Refrigerants &
Chemicals, 3.9 , 0.02%
Agriculture, 7.9 , 0.04%
Purchased Electricity,
6,410.4 , 32.48%
Emission Goals
Union College will continue to make strides toward carbon neutrality only through a
relentless application of funds, manpower and new technologies.
With the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by the year 2060, Union looks forward to the
following interim milestones measured from the 2008 Baseline Data:







2012 - 9% Reduction to 18,578 MTCO2
2015 – 15% Reduction to 17,417 MTCO2
2025 – 34% Reduction to 13,547 MTCO2
2035 – 53% Reduction to 9,677 MTCO2
2045 – 72% Reduction to 5807 MTCO2
2055 – 91% Reduction to 1,937 MTCO2
2060 – Carbon Neutral
Page 12
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Union College CO2 Emissions
30000
25000
Metric Tons CO2
20000
Unabated
15000
Reduction Plan
10000
5000
20
60
20
57
20
54
20
51
20
48
20
45
20
42
20
39
20
36
20
33
20
30
20
27
20
24
20
21
20
18
20
15
20
12
20
09
0
Year
Green Standards
Union is one of the Greenest colleges in America and has achieved this reputation with
the application of Green Standards in all phases of operation. We have traditionally
invested substantial sums of money towards energy saving and other sustainability
related projects. The Standards which we apply to all of the daily activity on campus
are key to our continued Sustainability Excellence.
Renewable EnergyUnion will continue to invest in RECs for green energy to offset a minimum of 15% of its
total electrical use. In addition, the incremental increase in electricity usage due to the
new Wold Science and Engineering building will be offset with additional RECs
purchases.
Also, because Union is a major Conferencing and Summer Program Facility, the impact
of these conferences to the environment will be further offset with REC purchases.
As an educational facility, Union will continue to invest in small, demonstrational
alternate energy projects such as PV Cells, Solar Thermal systems, wind power etc.
LEED Gold for new Buildings
Page 13
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
All new buildings constructed by Union in the future will be designed and built to a level
of performance consistent to the LEED Gold level. This is not to say that the building will
be necessarily certified to these standards, but will have inherent in the construction, all
of the attributes of such a facility.
Hazardous Materials Handling
Union has been a small generator of hazardous waste for several years and continues
to handle all hazardous materials responsibly and to comply with Environmental
Regulations. Our Campus is audited at least annually by an Environmental Consulting
firm.
Energy Usage
We will continue to invest in Energy related projects that have sufficient savings and
payback.
Energy Reduction Investments
Lighting Upgrades
Building Envelope Improvements
Conservation
Appliances
All new appliances will be Energy Star rated where applicable
Heating & Cooling Guidelines
We continue to set temperatures on campus to 76-78 degrees F. summer and 68-70
degrees F. winter.
Fleet Transportation and Air Travel
We will continue to encourage the campus community to car pool or use public
transportation and also to use webinars where practical in lieu of attending
conferences. As the existing fleet continues towards obsolescence we will continue to
replace the old gas-burners to either electric or other energy efficient vehicles.
Education and AwarenessContinue to meet with every group on campus to promote awareness and encourage
participation in U-Sustainability at some level.
Paper EmissionsIncrease the usage of 100% recycled paper.
Solid WasteUtilize a more single stream approach.
Increase the amount of commingles that we collect.
Page 14
Union College Climate Action Plan
DRAFT
Eliminate the bottles and cans collection and place these into single stream
commingle.
Utilize the containers everywhere that was used for bottles and cans and get signage
and utilize them for commingles. This will eliminate the bottles and cans that are now
contaminated by other items to still be in the recycled.
This expansion with increase the plastics not presently captured.
Educating for the Future
An important mission for any higher education facility is to prepare students for the
future. It is important that Union sets a good environmental image and provides the
necessary tools to equip the future leaders to deal with not only the current issues but
also future environmental issues.
At Union we have a healthy cooperation of the faculty and staff as a team to provide
these tools and education.
With the aid of such programs as the Presidential Green Grants and the current energy
audit we are postured to succeed in carrying out that mission.
Page 15