MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
We are all stewards of our planet, and every one of us needs to take steps, large and
small, so we can pass along a healthy, sustainable environment for generations to come.
Governors State University (GSU) is moving forward on bold environmental initiatives
designed to reduce its carbon footprint. These initiatives put the university in the
Dr. Maimon speaking at the
Earth Week 2010 celebrations
forefront of energy conservation in the Southland region and across the state of Illinois.
Governors State University is well on its way to becoming the state’s greenest public
university. GSU already has one of the state’s largest solar-thermal systems, which heats
water for our swimming pool and provides domestic hot water for most of the
university. We have rebuilt parking lots with environmentally-friendly pavers that
prevent harmful pollutants from entering storm sewers and the groundwater supply.
In February 2008, I signed the American College & University Presidents Climate
Commitment, an effort to address global warming by garnering commitments in higher
education to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions and to accelerate research and
educational efforts to stabilize the earth’s climate.
Now Governors State University is taking the next step forward on campus
environmental sustainability. With the completion of a comprehensive energy audit by
Energy Systems Group, we are implementing projects that provide significant
environmental benefits, while reducing energy costs over the next ten years.
GSU will continue looking for ways to wisely use scarce natural resources. We will fulfill
our environmental commitment so our children and grandchildren inherit a green,
sustainable planet.
Elaine P. Maimon, Ph.D.
President
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................3
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY COMMITMENT TO NEUTRALITY ....................................................................................4
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH .......................................................................................................................................... 11
PUBLIC OUTREACH AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................................ 14
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY ........................................................................................................................................16
GREENHOUSE GAS MITIGATION STRATEGIES .................................................................................................................18
IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE ......................................................................................................................................24
CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................................................................26
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................................27
APPENDICES .....................................................................................................................................................................28
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
2
INTRODUCTION
“Colleges and universities must lead by example. It is GSU’s hope that our concern
for the environment will lead to positive actions by our students and by citizens of the
communities we serve.”
President Elaine P. Maimon, Ph.D. Governors State University
Through the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment
(ACUPCC) initiative, “colleges and universities have made institutional commitments
to become climate neutral and promote research and educational efforts of higher
education institutions in order to equip society to re-stabilize the earth’s climate”.
The mission of the ACUPCC 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.”
In February 2008, GSU president Elaine P. Maimon signed the ACUPCC commitment
thus providing Governors State University with its charge to reduce its carbon
emissions and work toward carbon neutrality and sustainability. In addition, Dr.
Maimon signed the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact in September, 2010. The
goal of this compact is to encourage universities and colleges within the state of
Illinois to incorporate sustainability into their campus operations, academic and
research programs, student activities and provide community outreach. (See
Appendix A)
This Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a 40-year strategic plan delineating how GSU will
become carbon neutral by year 2047. A living document, the CAP will undergo
quadrennial reviews to study and make adjustments as technology improves and
institutional modifications occur. The purpose of the Plan is to provide GSU with a
“blueprint” of actions that will lead the university to energy independence, climate
neutrality and model ways to minimize global warming emissions.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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GSU COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE NEUTRALITY
Governors State University (GSU) is committed to developing a comprehensive,
action plan to achieve climate neutrality and be a model for our community. One of
GSU’s six institutional goals as declared in its Strategic Plan 2015 is:
Institutional Goal 5
Social, Ethical, and Environmental Responsibility:
Build an institution that is socially, ethically, and environmentally
responsible.
Furthermore, this goal is commits GSU to:



Provide regional leadership and serve as a model for sustainable development,
minimization of global warming emissions, and maintenance and improvement
of environmental quality
Develop a comprehensive, institutional action plan to achieve climate neutrality
and fulfill the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
Become a model of sustainable construction and development, best land use
practices and best practice for storm water management that is consistent with
the Illinois Sustainable University Compact.
One of GSU’s core institutional values included in the Strategic Plan 2015 states,
“Prepare Stewards of our Future: At GSU, we are committed to preparing our
students to thrive in the global economy and to contribute to the ongoing
stewardship of the environment”.
Background:
GSU is located 35 miles south of Chicago. The 600,000 sq. ft. campus building is sited
on 750 acres comprising organic farmland, 22 acres of ponds, and a 110 acre
Environmental Research Preserve of protected woodlands. The ponds are migratory
stop-offs for Canadian geese, blue and white heron and hawks. The Research
Preserve corridor and its associated fauna and flora provides a rich educational
environment for studies in natural and physical science. These preserves are also the
headwaters of Thorn Creek, an important public waterway.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
4
As such, GSU initiated a holistic approach to sustainability of its buildings and
grounds and established a leadership role in bringing sustainability initiatives to
campus. Members of the Facilities Sustainability Team have regular weekly meetings
that include discussion on sustainable practices, brainstorming on improved and
expanded programs, budget, and implementation. In addition, GSU recently formed
a Sustainability Committee, a sub-committee of the university-wide Planning and
Budget Advisory Council, comprised of faculty, staff and students.
GSU assumes the stewardship responsibility of our campus’s natural resources and is
committed to “treading lightly on the earth”. GSU has implemented significant
energy conservation and sustainability initiatives, many of which are outlined below.
Energy Conservation and Sustainability at GSU:
Solar Thermal System:
GSU harvests the sun via a 64 panel solar thermal system, offsetting the cost of hot
water heating for its shower rooms and 168,000 gallon swimming pool and
displacing approximately 40 therms of natural gas daily. Pat Quinn, then Illinois Lt.
Governor, was the keynote speaker at the solar thermal system’s dedication on Earth
Day 2006.
Recycling:
GSU began a formal, measured recycling program in 1987 and in 1998 earned an
Outstanding University Recycling Program Award by the Illinois Recycling
Association. Through diligence, awareness education, and increased recycling
practices, GSU continues to reinforce and improve its performance in recycling. In
2010, GSU entered RecycleMania, a 10 week-long national competition developed by
the College and University Recycling Council, where GSU ranked 1st in Illinois and 16th
nationally in the Waste Minimization category.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
5
Permeable Paving Parking Lots:
The university developed comprehensive storm water best management practices
that directly improve Thorn Creek. In 2008, GSU removed two asphalt parking lots
and replaced them with a 220,000 sq. ft. permeable paving system including bioswales, native plantings, and preferred parking for hybrid/fuel efficient vehicles.
Rainwater on asphalt paving flowed directly into storm sewers which then discharges
to GSU’s settling and retention ponds bringing with it ground contaminants such as
dirt, oil, salt, and chemicals; after settling, the water then flows into nearby Thorn
Creek. GSU’s new permeable paver system consists of interlocking concrete pavers
placed over a deep, gravel sub-base (or basin) along with bio-swales, which are strips
of green space. The pavers are considered permeable because they have a series of
joint openings that are filled with gravel and allow rainwater to flow into the gravel
sub-base for dispersal and absorption into the ground. During a heavy rainfall,
additional excess water flows into bio-swales which absorb water into the ground
and helps to reduce water volume and velocity flowing into our storm sewers. Water
that cannot be held by the gravel basin or bio-swales, flows into our storm sewers
after it has been filtered and cleansed by the gravel sub-base.
This system, considered a best management practice for storm water, helps preserve
our ponds and ultimately, Thorn Creek, considered one of Illinois’ top, high quality
streams.
Buildings:
GSU’s housekeeping department eliminated seven chemicals from its operation by
switching to a dilution system of hydrogen peroxide cleaner, non-aerosol soy/corn
based graffiti remover and green disinfectant cleaners. Housekeeping continues to
replace retired vacuums with those that meet the requirements of the Carpet and
Rug Institute “Green Label” Testing Program and are capable of capturing 96% of
particulates 0.3 microns in size and operate with a sound level less than 70dBA.
Housekeeping discontinued the use of antimicrobial hand soaps, uses Green Seal
Certified paper towels and hand soap and eliminated cleaning with paper towels and
instead, uses reusable microfiber towels.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
6
Grounds:
GSU has stepped up its attention to sustainability with regard to its protocol and
practices with its work on grounds. To decrease use of pesticides, our grounds crew
follows the Integrated Pest Management protocol and regularly uses prescribed
burns to assist in prairie restoration to reduce unwanted weeds and encourage
growth of native species.
GSU’s campus is in the headwaters of the Thorn Creek watershed hence, supporting
goals of the Clean Water Act is a high priority. The heavy use of salt as a deicer
during the winter contaminates runoff that discharges into our settling and retention
ponds. To reduce the need and frequency of salt application, our crew uses a power
brush on their snow removal equipment on sidewalks. In addition, our crew applies
sugar beet juice to roads, walkways and the salt itself; the beet juice extends the
effective range of salt to much colder temperatures thus reducing the use of salt.
In order to discharge fewer carbon dioxide emissions, GSU replaces its retired gas
engines with diesel powered engines, incorporates bio-diesel into fuel lines for our
trucks, tractors, and mowers, and installed an adaptor on a vehicle to accept natural
gas fuel. GSU also uses small utility vehicles where possible, in lieu of full-size trucks
to save fuel, reduce emissions prevent soil compaction and damage to turf. To
further reduce CO2 emissions from mowing equipment, GSU continues to decrease
turf areas replacing those areas with native plantings. Through a grant from the Lt.
Governor’s Office, GSU also installed a rain garden.
Performance Contract:
In 1998 GSU procured its first energy performance contract. The project included
simple energy conservation measures such as replacing light fixtures with energy
efficient fixtures and installing variable frequency drives. Electric consumption
dropped immediately and saved 25% in electric bills. To capture additional energy
savings subsequent to this performance contract would require investigation of more
complicated and costly energy conservation measures (ECMs).
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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To further advance sustainability at GSU, the university recently looked at its current
energy consumption and explored how best to address savings through alternative
and renewable energy and other ECMs. In 2008, GSU issued a Request for Proposals
for an energy performance contract. GSU formed an evaluation team and through a
grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO),
a consultant assisted the team with technical and financial evaluation. After a
comprehensive process of proposal review, interviews and reference checks, Energy
Systems Group (ESG) was selected as GSU’s energy performance contractor. The
objective of this project was to explore guaranteed savings opportunities through
repair, replacement and installation of infrastructure with maximum return on
investment in a minimum span of time. The energy performance contract will
guarantee improved efficiencies of GSU’s major mechanical systems and will reduce
operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
ESG studied GSU’s utility data history, investigated electrical, mechanical and
building envelope systems and prepared an Investment Grade Energy Audit. The
Audit included a list of viable ECMs along with associated construction costs,
guaranteed utility savings, operational savings, and financing options. ECMs were
itemized in six general categories:

Heating

Cooling

Lighting

Air Handling Unit work

Controls work

Mechanical conversions and modification

Renewable Energy
Heating:
GSU’s existing steam boiler plant was replaced with a 10 modulating hot water boiler
system and 3 condensing boilers. The boiler plant is monitored and controlled by a
plant controller that communicates with each boiler to control and monitor
temperatures and flows. The controller loads the boilers to maximize efficiency.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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Cooling:
The existing chilled water distribution system was converted from constant volume
pumps to a variable flow system with controls and programming to maintain the
designed chilled water temperature differential. A new 400 ton variable flow chiller
was provided to replace the existing constant volume chiller.
Lighting:
Existing 32 watt T-8 light fixture lamps were replaced with 28 watt lamps; some high
efficiency ballasts were installed as well as some occupancy sensors. Halogen and
incandescent lamps were also retrofitted.
Air handling units (AHU) and Controls:
Of the 50 total AHUs, 15 were retrofitted in an earlier project. The performance
contract retrofitted the remaining 35 units including repair, new control points,
dampers, actuators, pressure independent valves, new wiring, programming to
Building Automation System, new coils and maintenance.
Renewable Energy:
A wind turbine was proposed by ESG but not accepted at the time of contract
execution. Since that time, GSU has been awarded a number of grants from the
State of Illinois making the turbine financially feasible. A wind study has been
performed showing viability of a wind turbine and GSU is currently in discussion with
ESG to implement this renewable energy project.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
9
The performance energy contract includes a guaranteed energy savings of over $400,000 annually reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 3,000 metric tons annually. Work on the project began in the fall of 2009
and is scheduled for completion in December 2010.
Figure 1. Performance Contract Energy Conservation Measures Savings Table
ECM No.
2
8A
8D
12
12A
13A
13A.1
13A.2
13A.3
13B
13B.1
15
21
Annual Utility Savings
ECM Description
Replace existing steam boilers with Hot Water boilers,
hot water pumps, VFDs
Replace existing 32 watt 4' T-8 lamps with new 28 watt
lamps and some high eff ballasts and lighting
occupancy sensors
Retrofit halogen and incandescent lamps
Convert constant flow chilled water systems to variable
flow and control deferential temperature
Install new VFD Chiller
Replicate AHUs upgrades Dampers and DDC controls
Electricity
kWh
savings
Gas
Therm
Savings
$7,515
78,795
$73,767
82,950
$0
$81,282
$69,115
$22,348
724,704
234,328
$0
$0
0
0
$0
$0
$69,115
$22,348
$65,185
$40,312
683,501
422,687
$0
$0
0
0
$0
$0
$65,185
$40,312
$2,130
2,395
$0
$14,061
$0
0
$0
$0
$1,768
1,988
$0
$28,656
$720
$4,447
809
5,000
$0
$0
$26,250
$51,989
$1,852
$94
$531
$85,308
2,082
106
597
95,927
$0
$0
$0
$0
$31,461
$2,863
$9,457
$442,978
$11,931
125,103
Air handling Units Option A Alternate 1: Eliminate
$0
0
Control Points
Air handling Units Option A Alternate 2: Install pressure
$26,888
281,933
independent control valves
Air handling Units Option A Alternate 3: Install pressure
independent control valves on previously retrofitted air
$25,530
267,692
handling units
$47,542
498,506
Replace CHW and HW coils on air handling units
Replace CHW and HW coils on previously retrofitted air
$29,609
310,463
handling units
$2,769
29,035
Drives on Performing Arts AHU's
$8,926
93,597
Provide VFDs on OTS RTUs
$357,670 3,750,344
Total Project Cost
Water
Total Annual
Utility Savings
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
10
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
The growing demand for energy in modern society, finding resources to provide
future supplies, and managing the environmental consequences of its delivery, are
all vital issues in both developed and developing societies. Science and physics of
energy are examined in GSU’s curricula, developing the student’s understanding of
the fundamental principles of energy, heat, work, and power. The fundamental
concepts of energy in its many different forms, the physical laws describing its
conservation and interconversion, and the use of energy in society are studied.
The commercial forms of energy, its extraction from mineral resources, and the
environmental impacts of its use are discussed. The limited continuing availability of
conventional energy resources and the implications for future society are analyzed
and the physics of alternative and renewable energy sources is presented. The
judicious use of finite natural resources, the environmental impacts of their use, and
the history and economics of resource depletion are examined. Students will
develop a further understanding of the historic development of energy use patterns
in the US followed by discussions of current energy topics: atmospheric pollution,
energy distribution, global warming, long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel, socalled alternative or renewable energy resources and the legacy of oil dependence.
Students will be able to discuss the interrelationships and impacts of energy,
resources, and technology.
Students seeking a physical science course to satisfy general education requirements
and students interested in the science and social, economic, and environmental
impacts of energy use in both historic and modern society are welcome to these
classes. Through lecture, demonstrations, problem solving, library and web-based
research, field trips, and discussion and upon completion of this course students will:

Understand the physics of energy and be able to solve physics problems
involving energy, heat, work, and power.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
11

Be able to integrate the scientific and technological, social, and economic
perspectives concerning exploitation of energy resources, discussing in both oral
and written formats the costs and benefits of a variety of energy resources

Be able to research energy topics using traditional text-based and web-based
resources.

Be able to effectively analyze and critique web-based materials from a scientific
perspective.
Evaluation Sample:
Student evaluation is based on homework assignments, classroom exams, and an
alternative energy research report. Students will have classroom opportunities to
learn about conducting science literature research from the University Library staff
and to learn about report writing from the staff of the Writing Center.
The alternative energy research report will take the form of a review article for a
scientifically literate audience, such as the readers of Scientific American. The
research report requirement is designed as a “writing process” and includes several
intermediate steps and assignments including visits to the University Library and
Writing Center, and submission of a report proposal, bibliography, final outline, 1st
draft, and final report. For course sample, see Appendix B.
Faculty Exploration in Expanding Sustainability in the Curricula:
During a Sustainability Workshop (more about that in the Public Engagement
section) faculty members explored how best to increase awareness, education,
research and culture at GSU. Some ideas are as follows:

Create a sustainability leadership committee charged with developing a systems
approach to sustainability

GSU should become a member of the Advancement in Higher Education AASHE

Develop a sustainability definition by spring 2011. Students, faculty and staff to
participate in developing this definition

Plan a forum on how to become a sustainable campus

Institute a Sustainability-Across-the-Curriculum initiative

Identify all sustainability-related courses already existing at GSU

Identify course-partnering opportunities
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
12

Identify interdisciplinary class projects

Develop service-learning opportunities or capstone courses

Create a Sustainability Leadership Committee; establish a GSU sustainability
webpage

Create and test a survey instrument for program learning objectives

Survey faculty and staff research interests

Hold an annual Student Research Conference featuring sustainability keynote
speakers

Hold an annual GSU Student Sustainability Research Conference

Offer online professional development seminars to assist faculty in integrating
sustainability into their curriculum

Target university research grant funding on sustainability research
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
13
PUBLIC OUTREACH AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Sustainability Workshop 2010
The Presidents of thirteen participating colleges and universities of the Illinois South
Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC) charged its Sustainability Task
Force with assisting their schools in achieving a broad range of diverse and
comprehensive sustainability through collaboration and sharing best practices.
13 Presidents sign the Illinois
Sustainability Compact
To accomplish that end, the Task Force developed a series of templates to assist their
organizations with a holistic approach to planning, goal setting and implementation
of a sustainable campus. The templates, together with collaborative efforts during
the Sustainability Workshop 2010, provided an effective framework for the
development and implementation of a Strategic Plan for Sustainability. Many of the
criteria in the templates relate specifically to the Illinois Green Governments
Coordinating Council, Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact and helps guide colleges
and universities toward achieving increasing goal levels as designated in the
Compact.
The one-and-one-half-day Workshop brought together the Presidents,
representatives of the Board of Trustees, teams from administrative staff, faculty and
students from each SMHEC member institution with facilitators and speakers to
develop a sustainability planning document customized to each member institution.
Through the collective knowledge and experience of the SMHEC participants, this
process provided a guided planning and working conference with nationally
recognized presenters and facilitators to help each institution identify and develop
sustainable actions and activities in support of its overall mission. It also built a
community of peers who will meet, benchmark their own strategies, build expertise
and rapidly learn from one another.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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Through peer to peer interaction and use of expert facilitators, each institution
developed a customized plan to incorporate sustainability concepts and activities
into its existing strategic and operational plans in each of the following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sustainability Planning
Student Engagement
Academics
Operations
Procurement and Finance
Indeed, the Sustainability Workshop 2010 brought together the GSU team including
faculty, administration, staff and students in a collegial and productive manner.
Through break-out sessions, each discipline worked within their individual groups,
with the university team and with other university groups and teams.
The students in particular, were thoroughly engaged so much so, that when they
returned to campus they began the process of forming a student sustainability
organization. They have established a faculty advisor as well as administrative liaison
and decided that first on the students’ agenda is to develop a “Student Recycling
Improvement” initiative.
Earth Week
GSU’s Sustainability Committee in concert with faculty, students and staff hosts a
week-long Earth Day observance, education and festival for the campus and
surrounding communities. Displays include but are not limited to an apiary,
composting system, permeable paving model, solar thermal panels, sustainable
products such as fuel efficient and hybrid autos, home rehabilitation products and
recycled and natural home and health care products.
Entertainment, children’s activities and organic foods are offered and animals from
rescue centers come for some tender loving petting. All activities are interactive and
meant to bring awareness and involvement with ideas for sustainability.
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
15
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY
Before action toward the development of a Climate Action Plan could begin, an
inventory of current greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) must be prepared. This
inventory will provide the baseline from which improvement can be measured. In
2009, the University prepared a 2007/08 fiscal year-baseline detailed inventory of its
GHG emissions.
Figure 2. GSU 2008 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory by Scope
Scope 3
(Indirect
Emissions)
8,160.7 MT
eCO2
43%
Scope 1
(Direct
Emissions)
3,129.1 MT
eCO2
17%
Scope 2
(Purchased
Electricity)
7,608.7 MT
eCO2
40%
Figure 2 delineates percentages of GSU’s CO2 emissions by scope. Emissions from
Scope 1 are nearly 20% and Scope 2 and Scope 3 are almost evenly split at
approximately 40% each.
 Scope1: All direct emissions from sources owned, controlled by the institution
 Scope 2: Emissions from purchased of electricity
 Scope 3: Indirect emissions primarily student, faculty, staff commuting & air travel
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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Figure 3. GSU 2008 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory by category
Scope 3: Other
Directly
Financed Travel,
176.7 MT
Scope 2: T&D
Losses, 752.5 MT
Scope 3:Directly
Financed Air
Travel, 601.4 MT
Scope 3: Student
Commuting,
4,254.1 MT
Scope 3: Faculty
/ Staff
Commuting,
2,376 MT
Scope 1:Other
On-Campus
Stationary 3,011
MT
Scope 1:Direct
Transportation,
118.1 MT
Scope 2:
Purchased
Electricity,
7,608.7 MT
Figure 3 illustrates a breakdown of GSU’s CO2 emissions by category within each
scope. Scopes 2 and 3 show the greatest challenges and opportunities for target CO2
reduction. As one can see, Scope 2 (electricity) and Scope 3 (commuting and travel)
offer the greatest opportunities for emissions reduction.
Figure 4. Normalization Data
Normalization and Contextual Data
Gross Square feet of building
Net assignable s.f. of laboratory space
Net assignable s.f. of health care space
Net assignable s.f. of residential space
Total student enrollment
Residential Students
Full-time commuter students
Part-time commuter students
Full-time faculty
Part-time faculty
Full-time staff
Part-time staff
556,251 s.f.
61,770 s.f.
253 s.f.
0
4,269
0
4,269
11,708
169
408
356
37
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
17
GREENHOUSE GAS MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Figure 5. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Goals
Fiscal
Year
2007
2012
2017
2022
2027
2032
2037
2042
2047
CO2
CO2
GHG
Reduction Emissions Emissions
Goals (%) Reduced (MTCO2e)
Baseline
15%
25%
10%
25%
25%
25%
25%
100%
2,835
4,016
1,205
2,711
2,033
1,525
1,144
3,431
18,898
16,063
12,047
10,843
8,132
6,099
4,574
3,431
0
Figure 6. Graphical Representation of Figure 5, GHG Reduction
Goals
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Goals
MTCO2e
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
2007
2012
2017
2022
2027
2032
2037
2042
2047
Planning for a net zero carbon footprint is an ambitious venture however, with
GSU’s commitment to sustainability, this goal is achievable. Best practice includes
avoiding as many carbon emissions as possible so only unavoidable emissions can
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Climate Action Plan, December 2010
18
be offset by buying carbon credits or other measures to mitigate remaining
emissions. Renewable Energy Certificates or Credits (RECs) are tradable energy
commodities that can be used to offset CO2 emissions on campus. While this
Climate Action Plan calls for physical and behavioral modifications with the intent to
reach climate neutrality, some RECs will likely be required to offset carbon emissions
that are unavoidable.
Based on GSU’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory, understanding of sources of
highest CO2 emissions along with establishment of reduction goals, the following
recommendations are proposed.
SCOPE 1, DIRECT EMISSIONS-Natural Gas:
The greatest emissions contributor in Scope 1 is natural gas for heating hence
reducing natural gas consumption is essential.
Retrocommissioning: This is a systematic and rigorous process of investigating and
improving the existing buildings’ systems and restoring them to optimal
performance. Investigation of the building envelope, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and
roofing systems assuring that all entities are optimally working individually and
together. The purpose of retrocommissioning is to ensure reduced energy waste,
capturing energy efficiencies and identifying and correcting building problems.
Performance Contracting: This is an effective tool for carbon emissions reduction as
its contractual structure can guarantee reasonable pay-back period for energy
conservation measures and utility cost savings can be used to pay down the debt
service. GHG Reduction Goals (Figure 5) calls for a performance contract every ten
years starting in 2017. Retrocommissioning can be included in the performance
contract.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling: As an alternative to using natural gas in our
current heating system, a ground-source geothermal heat pump (GSGHP) system can
be used. Using a closed-loop GSGHP, this system will extract heat from the natural
heat storage capacity of the earth. A program systems conversion from gas to GSGHP
should begin with all free standing buildings. With future enhanced technology, the
main campus building can be converted to GSGHP.
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GSGHP systems work in reverse during the summer months by extracting heat from
building spaces and sequestering the warm air back into the earth.
Solar Panels for Domestic Hot Water: GSU’s current domestic hot water heater is
gas fired. GSU’s 64 panel solar thermal system currently heats its 168,000 gallon
swimming pool as well as domestic hot water for A and B buildings. Additional solar
thermal panels installed on the D and F building roofs and all out-building roofs will
provide domestic hot water for the entire campus and significantly reduces natural
gas consumption.
Replace Glass Doors and Windows: Many of GSU’s doors and windows are thermal
insulated but are leaky and some are single pane. Replacement windows will keep
the cold air out of the building during the winter and cool air in the building in the
summer thus reducing utility costs.
Reconfigure Duct Work Throughout the Main Building: GSU was originally designed
and built as the “University Without Walls”. This open plan concept did not prove
effective pedagogically or administratively due to competing acoustics and visual
distractions. Over the past 40 years walls were erected to accommodate user needs
however, major heating and cooling distribution zones were not significantly altered.
Rezoning these building systems through duct work reconfiguration would allow
more efficient use of utilities reducing energy consumption.
DIRECT EMISSIONS-Direct Transportation:
Fuel for departmental service and maintenance vehicles: Maintenance equipment
and departmental service vehicles are currently powered by gas, natural gas, diesel
and propane. As aging equipment and vehicles are retired, they should be replaced
with those that are electrically powered particularly if GSU produces its own
electricity (see below). Where and when possible, bicycles/carts or other nonemitting modes of transportation should be used for service checks and small
deliveries.
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SCOPE 2, PURCHASED ELECTRICITY:
The greatest emissions contributor in Scope 2 is electricity for lighting, motors,
pumps and chillers hence recommendations for reducing electrical consumption are
as follows:
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning: Since motors and pumps consume
electricity in all HVAC systems, recommendations implemented for Natural Gas
Scope 1 will reap lower electrical use in Scope 2.
Replace Existing Chillers with One New Variable Speed Drive Chiller: In 2001, two of
GSU’s chillers were replaced with 600 ton fixed speed chillers; with a typical life cycle
of 20 years, the chillers will require replacement in approximately 2021. The two
600 ton chillers should be replaced with one variable speed chiller in order to
capture energy savings.
Replace Sloped Glass in Main Entry: Significant heat gain in the main entry occurs in
the summer due to its sloped glass ceiling resulting in added load for air
conditioning. Replacing the existing glass system with integrated sun control or heat
reflective insulated glass will reduce heat gain and increase energy efficiency.
Install Outside Economizers: Install economizers in the Family Development Center
to capture “free cooling” during the summer when the outside air is cooler than the
air inside.
Reconfigure Electrical Circuits in the Main Building: GSU was originally designed
and built as the “University Without Walls”. This open plan concept did not prove
effective pedagogically or administratively due to competing acoustics and visual
distractions. Over the past 40 years walls were erected to accommodate user needs
however, major electrical distribution configurations were not significantly altered.
As a result, a light switch in one department or classroom controls lighting in several
adjacent departments or classrooms often requiring vacant spaces to be illuminated
in order to accommodate occupied spaces. Reconfiguring lighting distribution will
reduce electrical consumption and allow more efficient use of power.
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Continue Campus-Wide Program of Installing Motion/Light Sensors: Motion and
light sensor technology have proven to be effective in energy conservation. GSU’s
program of sensor installation should continue until all programmed spaces are
equipped with sensors.
Fiber Optic Lighting: The use of this high efficiency light sources has been shown to
significantly lower electrical installation and maintenance costs. With greater lumens
per watt output, fiber optic lighting reduces power requirements resulting in lower
energy costs. While the technology has not yet transferred to general use light
fixtures, this light source should be considered in lighting replacement as technology
increases and costs decrease.
Install wind turbines: Displacing KW from commercial power to wind power will
deliver clean, renewable energy from an inexhaustible energy source. As with GSU’s
sun harvesting through solar thermal panels, use of wind power will avert
vulnerability to fuel price volatility. GSU should install more wind turbines on
campus as technology is enhanced and costs decrease.
Photovoltaic Solar Electric Arrays: While GSU’s solar thermal panels convert solar
energy into thermal energy (heat), photovoltaic arrays convert solar energy into
direct current electricity. The solar cells are modular and can track the sun’s path
across the earth maximizing solar energy. Since GSU is sited on 750 acres, the arrays
need not be limited to installation on roofs but can be installed on the ground.
Producing power through wind and photovoltaic systems will minimize reliance on
commercial power.
SCOPE 3 INDIRECT EMISSIONS - Commuting and Financed Travel:
GSU is primarily a commuter campus resulting in 43% of GSU’s greenhouse gas
emissions; see Figures 2 and 3. As such, it is imperative that the culture of means of
transportation shift from single user automobiles to multi-user modes of
transportation.
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COMMUTING:
Telecommuting: Telecommuting is an effective means to reduce CO2 emissions
from vehicles. This program is effective at GSU during the summer but expanding it
to a full or part-time basis year-round would help to reduce CO2 emissions on
campus.
Additional On-Line Courses: Another means to reduce travel hence CO2 emissions is
to offer more on-line classes.
Car-Share, Van Pools for Students, Faculty and Staff: Robust incentives including
monetary, reward, time-off and/or recognition must be implemented through a GSU
program to encourage multi-user modes of transportation to and from campus. A
tandem program for shuttle service for Metra train users must be enhanced; the
shuttle buses of course, should be electrically powered. Administrative and
supervisory support for flex hours will help make the car-share/van pool program
viable.
Bike Paths: Metra allows clean and serviceable bicycles on their trains hence, bike
paths connecting the Metra station to campus is essential. As GSU facilities expand
and student housing develops, a more comprehensive bike path system will be
required to encourage on-campus bicycle use.
Electric Recharging Stations: Electric recharging points should be installed on
campus to support electric vehicles.
DIRECT FINANCED TRAVEL:
Tele/Video Conferencing: GSU should take greater advantage of its current
technology on campus and that which is otherwise available by implementing more
teleconferencing, videoconferencing and web conferencing to reduce air and vehicle
travel. With the current resources of IT and Digital Learning studios, formal
presentations can be broadcast and received via satellite.
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IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE
The Office of the Executive Vice President/Chief of Staff will oversee the
implementation of GSU’s Climate Action Plan. In concert with the Executive Vice
President, the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs will monitor the Plan’s
timelines, goals, mitigation strategies, costs and accomplishments. This Plan shall be
revisited and updated every four years.
Barriers and Solutions:
Growth: The conundrum of striving for institutional growth while at the same time
strive for reduction of carbon emissions appear to be two opposing goals however,
with thoughtful planning the two aspirations can coexist.
As new buildings are built, those buildings must be carbon neutral requiring LEED
Gold or Platinum. Technologies for emissions sequestration will help to offset
increased emissions due to facilities growth but at this time, will require exploration.
We must also rethink what will be acceptable modes of transportation.
The culture of sustainability: While infrastructure, equipment and facilities protocol
can be in place to advance net zero carbon emissions, the GSU culture of
sustainability must shift to be one of tolerance and acceptance. Mowing equipment
emits significant CO2; will the community tolerate lawns that are not manicured on a
daily basis? Set-back temperatures of 68 degrees in the winter will reduce natural
gas consumption; will the community tolerate having to wear a sweater or jacket?
Set-back of temperatures of 78 degrees in the summer will reduce electrical
consumption; will the community tolerate discomfort? These are basic examples of
required tolerance that will face GSU as it advances toward a carbon neutral campus.
Education, awareness and understanding the urgency of net zero carbon emissions
through community outreach, curricula and practice will guide us through this
cultural transition.
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Costs and Financing:
Replacing costly equipment that has reached the end of its useful life is tied closely
to mitigation strategies. In the past seven years, GSU has received nearly $1M in
sustainability grants and we look forward to maintaining a close working relationship
with these grant providers:

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Illinois Clean Energy Foundation

Office of the Lt. Governor, Illinois

Department of Energy

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Other funding opportunities include:

Revolving funding account that is replenished with energy savings

Fundraising efforts through the GSU Foundation and Sustainability Committee

Faculty and staff green fees

Student green fees

Increased Parking, Roadway and Walkway fees with significant discounts to carshare, van pool, alternative transportation participants

Corporate partnerships

Air travel offsets
Tracking Progress
The Office of the Executive Vice President/Chief of Staff will oversee the tracking
progress of this Plan with assistance from the Provosts and Vice President of
Academic Affairs. Many departments within the university will be required to collect
data so the Greenhouse Gas inventory can be updated annually.
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CONCLUSION
Bringing GSU to carbon neutral status requires a major cultural shift of views about
our planet and our responsibility toward preserving its viability. Success in
implementing mitigation strategies will require full understanding that indeed, global
warming exists and as it advances at its current alarming rate, it is adversely affecting
world health, society, environment and economics. Further, there must be an
understanding that unless we become energy independent, we will leave an
irreconcilable legacy to future generations.
If individuals within the administration, faculty, staff and student body coalesced and
moved forward as a determined single force toward sustainability through
leadership, education, research and practice, GSU can reach its goal of zero carbon
emissions.
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Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following contributors offered their time and efforts towards this Climate Action
Plan:
Dr. Elaine P. Maimon, President, Governors State University
Dr. Gebe Ejigu, Executive Vice President
Dr. Karen D’Arcy, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Joseph O’Gallagher, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. John Yunger, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Maristela Zell, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Soon-Ok Park, College of Arts and Sciences
Ms. Genevieve Boesen, South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium
Ms. Ann Needham, Digital Learning and Media Design
Ms. Kitty Knauz, Energy Systems Group
Mr. Eric Matanyi, Public Relations
Student Sustainability Green Team
GSU Facilities Committee, Planning and Budget Advisory Committee
GSU Sustainability Committee/sub-committee of the Facilities Committee
Special recognition to GSU’s Facilities Development and Management (FDM) team
for planning, implementing and maintaining sustainable initiatives throughout
campus and contributing to this Climate Action Plan:
Susan Rakstang, AIA, Associate Vice President, FDM
Kevin Barto, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Charles DeBrizzio, Chief Engineer
Timothy Kosiek, Project Specialist
Pat Rogala, Operations Coordinator
Peggy Schiesher, Supervisor of Building Service Workers
Louis Schultz, Architectural Draftsman
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APPENDICES
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APPENDIX A
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APPENDIX B
Course Schedule Sample:
Date
Week
January 7
1
January 14
2
Topic
Chapter
Assignment Due
Peak Oil and its
1.1, 1.4-1.7,
No written
Implications, Energy
2: Energy from
Assignment
Use Patterns
Fossil Fuels
Climate Change:
13.9 The
Causes and
Greenhouse
implications
effect and World
Chapter problems
Climate Changes
January 21
3
Martin Luther King
NO
CLASS
1.2, 1.3,
Chapter problems
3.1 to 3.3
Chapter problems
Electrical Power:
3.4 to 3.6
Chapter problems
Generation,
8.0-8.6
DUE: Research
Holiday
January 28
4
Energy Fundamentals:
Definitions (Heat,
Work , Internal Energy)
February 4
5
Energy Fundamentals:
The Laws of
Thermodynamics (Heat
engines)
February
6
11
Distribution, and
Paper Proposal
Storage
February
7
18
Overview of
6.0 – 6.9
Chapter problems
Renewable Energy
Resources – Solar
Energy
February
8
25
Exam 1:
No written
“An Inconvenient
Assignment
Truth”
March 3
9
Field Trip
GSU Solar
DUE: Research
Heating System.
paper
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Climate Action Plan, December 2010
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Solar Energy Cont’d
bibliography,
Research Paper
outline
March 10
10
GSU Writing Center
7.0 – 7.7
Other Renewable
Research paper
consultation
Energy Resources
March 17
11
Nuclear Power:
4.0
Chapter problems,
8.1 to 8.6
DUE: Research
Technology, Promise
and Problems
March 24
12
Energy Storage.
Towards a Hydrogen
Paper Draft 1
Economy?
March 31
13
Field Trip
Argonne National
Chapter problems
Laboratory (if
possible)
April 7
14
Residential,
9.0 to 9.5
Chapter problems
14.1 to 14.6
Alternative Energy
Commercial, and
Industrial Energy Use:
Energy Conservation
April 14
15
Global, Environmental,
and Water Issues.
research report
due
DUE: Research
Paper
April 21
16
Exam 2
No written
Assignment
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