Arguably the greatest threat to our future, climate change is occurring far more rapidly than predicted. As a leading public university, Carolina is not just observing climate change; it is adopting strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In June 2006, UNC and the town of Chapel Hill became the first town-gown partners in the country to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2050. This Community Carbon Reduction (CRed) pledge resulted from the work of Dr. Douglas Crawford-Brown (shown right), his students, the Vice Chancellor’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, and Crawford-Brown’s colleagues throughout eastern England.
In its pledge, the University cited the compilation of a carbon dioxide inventory for all emissions sources originating with campus operations. The inventory showed that the University produces between 335,000 and 345,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, excluding air travel. About half of those totals come from electricity and steam generated at the campus cogeneration facility, which has pioneered the use of innovative cogeneration technology and is one of the nation’s cleanest coal-burning energy plants.
Following on this commitment, Chancellor Moeser became an early signatory of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment in January 2007. This national initiative calls on campuses to exercise leadership by modeling ways to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at least 80%, by 2050. As specified in the commitment, UNC has conducted a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory and is working to develop an action plan to reduce emissions. Carolina has already adopted 60% of the tangible actions specified in the commitment by establishing a policy that all new campus construction be built to at least the US Green Building Council’s LEED silver standard or equivalent; adopting an energy efficient purchasing policy requiring purchase of Energy Star certified products in all areas for which Energy Star ratings exist; and encouraging the use of and providing access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
In fall 2008, Carolina completed a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory and retrospective. Now that UNC has identified the various sources of our emissions, we are able to begin identifying and working towards specific solutions. Exploring emissions reduction options -- and feasible interim goals and deadlines -- is currently the work of a campus-wide climate task force. The initial working group is composed of representatives from Facilities Services, Facilities Planning & Construction, Energy Services, Transportation, Dining, and Environment, Health & Safety. Additional members will be added later.
Click here for the top ten things UNC is doing for climate protection.