Carbon Neutral 2020

In September 2007, President Durden signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), pledging that Dickinson will eventually become climate neutral. Today, there are 650 colleges and universities signed onto the pledge. The ACUPCC recognizes that colleges act as role models for surrounding communities. Therefore, it is imperative that colleges take an active leadership position in mitigating climate change by decreasing greenhouse gas production on their campuses. The ACUPCC sets out a strategic outline for colleges to follow in order to become carbon neutral after they sign the pledge. It requires an immediate reduction in emissions through tangible actions, an inventory of GHG’s and an action plan for how and when the college will reach climate neutrality.

Examples of changes that have already taken place to mitigate the campus demand for energy are going “trayless” in the cafeteria, implementing a laundry and printing quota, removing cable connections in residence hall rooms, and educating individuals on how to become more environmentally sustainable. Also, there are future plans for upgrades on campus to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and to employ a combined heat and power system, significantly more efficient than what is currently in place. Environmental sustainability is a main goal in both the Campus Master plan and the Strategic Plan. Dickinson will use creative techniques and developing technologies over the coming years to keep the campus shifting into a sustainable existence. The college is a leader in its commitment to climate neutrality and as students we have the opportunity to embrace and become part of this exciting initiative.

Why Plan for Carbon Neutrality?

The world is facing an unprecedented change in global climate. Human society now must face a great challenge to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to slow the warming of the planet. Dickinson College has taken a proactive stance on climate change. President William G. Durden ’71 signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment  in 2007. In doing so, Dickinson College pledged to become carbon neutral. This commitment not only signifies the College’s dedication to playing a role in the global fight against climate change, but also reflects Dickinson’s dedication to its central mission: education.  By joining the Presidents’ Climate Commitment, Dickinson is setting an example of sustainability to its students, staff, and faculty, and helping to educate the next generation of environmentally‐conscious citizens. 

When Will We Reach Climate Neutrality?

Dickinson intends to become carbon neutral by 2020. The Climate Change Action Plan details how the College will achieve this ambitious goal. In recognizing that carbon offsets are a necessary part of neutrality but are secondary to conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy, Dickinson plans to decrease its percentage of offsets over time. In 2020, Dickinson will become carbon neutral, with a 25% decrease in emissions from 2008 levels and 75% offsets. By 2025, emissions will be 50% of 2008 levels
and offsets will decrease to 50%. Further emissions reductions will take place so that by 2030, emissions are 75% below 2008 levels and offsets account for only 25%. Through this three‐step approach to carbon neutrality, Dickinson will be able to take immediate actions to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions while also planning for a sustainable future.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 

The first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, which quantifies the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by Dickinson, was completed during the summer of 2008 using data from 2002 to 2008. The college had to report emissions under three scopes. Scope 1 includes the sources which Dickinson has the most control over, such as on–campus fuel combustion. The college uses oil and natural gas to heat space and water. Scope 2 includes purchased electricity, a source not owned by Dickinson, but to which the college is directly connected. Scope 3 encompasses the sources which are the most indirect, such as commuting done by faculty and staff and air travel by students studying abroad.

The Inventory shows that purchased electricity accounts for the majority of our emissions. Our total emissions are 15,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTeCO2) for 2008. After accounting for offsets such as composting and wind purchased by the college, our net emissions are less than 12,000 MTeCO2. For reference, one metric ton of CO2 fits into a 27 foot by 27 foot by 27 foot cube. After completing the Inventory, the next step was to come up with a plan for reducing the college’s emissions.
 
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Climate Change Action Plan Working Group 

A Climate Change Action Plan Working Group formed of faculty, staff and students used the inventory to brainstorm and devise effective measures to curb Dickinson’s emissions. This group produced the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) which outlines how Dickinson will become climate neutral by 2020. If we follow the CCAP, our total emissions will decrease to 12,000 MTeCO2 by 2020 and our net emissions, which ncludes offsets, will be zero. The way Dickinson is going to initially become more climate neutral is by incorporating 75% offsets. Just this fall we purchased wind energy in the amount equal to 100% of our electricity demand. However, Dickinson recognizes that we must take active and effective steps to actually minimize our consumption of energy instead of just offsetting it. Therefore we will decrease our dependence on offsets to 25% by 2030.

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