Compiled by Jen Goldman, Alyssa Thomas and Jessica Yarnall

May 20, 2001

The Case

Scientists from around the world have formed a virtual consensus that the world is warming. In recognition of this problem, the Framework Convention on Climate Change was established and signed by several parties in 1992. Following up this Framework was the Kyoto Protocol, which demands that emissions of greenhouse gases be reduced by countries across the world. However, the Protocol has yet to go into effect pending ratification issues and the recent U.S. renunciation of the treaty. In the meantime, colleges and cities across the U.S. are endeavoring to reduce their own emissions to meet Kyoto standards, despite the lack of U.S. support for the treaty. Thus, the 7 by '07 campaign was formed. Historically, colleges have been at the forefront of leading social movements. Everything from the civil rights movement to South American divestment campaigns had heavy student involvement. Once again, it is important for students and colleges to take a stance on an important social issue: climate change.

Methods

Obtaining Carleton's energy information from Wayne Beierman, Engineering Supervisor in the Carleton Facilities Plant, we were able to use a "carbon calculator" to calculate our carbon footprint. Using numbers from both 1989-1990 and then the most recent data, we calculated the amount of electricity that would need to be reduced per square foot. Given that the college has expanded its total number of buildings during this time period, reducing per square foot is the only realistic alternative. One important caveat is that we chose to only calculate electricity emissions given time constraints. An important area for further research would be to calculate a total carbon footprint, which would include the amount of air and car travel by Carleton College's students, professors, staff and administration; paper usage; and other energy-intensive activities.

This calculator was obtained from Jeremy Arling (jarling@bowdoin.edu) in the form of an excel spreadsheet that asked for total amount of electricity usage in KW, heat usage from oil and gas, the energy portfolio of the electricity provider (Xcel Energy provided this information from both time periods), and the total square footage of the college from both time periods (provided by facilities).

Analysis

Using the carbon calculator, we calculated the following results:

Carleton College's 1989-1990 Emissions:

Electricity 7,285, 803 kg CO2/yr (22% of emissions)
Heating 55, 156, 351 kg CO2/yr (88% of emissions)

Total: 62, 442, 153 kg CO2/year

60.2 kg CO2/square foot per year

62, 442 metric tons of CO2/year
187, 326 trees would be needed to offset emissions

Carleton College's 1998-1999 Emissions:

Electricity 8, 592, 520 kg CO2/yr (9% of emissions)
Heating 84, 808, 383 kg CO2/yr (91% of emissions)

Total: 93, 400, 904 kg CO2/year

74.6 kg CO2/square foot per year

93, 401 metric tons of CO2/year

280, 203 trees would be needed to offset emissions

TO COMPLY WITH KYOTO STANDARDS:

Emissions per square foot would need to be 56.0 kg CO2/square foot.

For the purposes of this discussion, we limited ourselves to electricity and heat usage. For future studies, the total carbon footprint of the college needs to include the use of college vehicles and airplane travel by students and faculty.

Recommendations

There are still several things that Carleton can do to reduce its electricity usage and, hence, its carbon dioxide emissions.

Heating:
1. Installing individual controls in houses and buildings to allow residents to have more control over their environment. This will prevent students from opening windows in the winter and wasting energy when they are too warm.
2. In areas where there are central controls, changing thermostats by just a few degrees can greatly reduce energy use without impacting personal comfort.
3. Work to insulate buildings and weatherproof windows and doors to ensure maximum heating and cooling for energy expenditures.

Efficient Appliances:
1. Carleton College is currently working to purchase Energy Star appliances and should continue this initiative.
2. Turning off lights in vending machines could reduce energy usage.

Building Design:
1. In the recent design of the Language and Dining Center, Carleton College hired an outside firm to consult on making the building as efficient as possible. The college should continue this as standard procedure with all new buildings and remodelings.
2. Landscaping, though seemingly unimportant, can also influence energy efficiency. Carleton College should also consult on strategic tree and shrub planting for heating, cooling and lighting purposes.

Other Links

http://www.7by7.org The Seven by '07 Campaign Website

http://www.rso.cornell.edu/kyotonow/ Cornell University's Kyoto Initiative Website

http://www.humboldt.edu/~recycle Humbolt State University's 7 by '07 Information

http://ecenter.colorado.edu/ University of Colorado at Boulder

http://www.tufts.edu/tie/ Tuft's website

http://www.iisd.org/climatechange.htm Climate Change Information from the International Institute for Sustainable Development

http://www.iisd.org/educate/default.htm Sustainable Development on Campus website: Contains links to green campus policies

http://www.nwf.org/campusecology/ National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Site