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RESEARCH ARTICLE: A Greenhouse Gas Inventory as a Measure of Sustainability for an Urban Public Research University

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2010

Cynthia Klein-Banai ,
Thomas L. Theis ,
Thomas A. Brecheisen  and
Alona Banai
Cynthia Klein-Banai*
Affiliation:
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Thomas L. Theis
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Thomas A. Brecheisen
Affiliation:
Civil and Materials Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Alona Banai
Affiliation:
Center for Urban Environmental Research & Policy, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
*
Address correspondence to: Cynthia Klein-Banai, Office of Sustainability, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1140 South Paulina Street, MC 996, Chicago, IL 60612; (phone) 312-996-3968; (e-mail) cindy@uic.edu
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Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories are becoming a common measure of environmental impact and sustainability for institutions. The University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) prepared a GHG inventory for fiscal years 2004–2008. UIC conducted a commuter survey to obtain data regarding the commuting habits of its faculty, staff, and students. In fiscal year 2008, UIC's carbon footprint was not significantly higher than the 2004 emissions (275,000 vs. 273,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, respectively). For 2008, the largest source of emissions was buildings (83%), followed by commuting (16%) and waste (1%). When compared to 85 other doctorate-granting universities, UIC's gross emissions per square foot (21.4%) are lower than average. The variation in the emissions over the five years studied is largely influenced by the amount of electricity purchased and the mix of sources of that electricity (i.e., nuclear vs. coal). Conducting a baseline GHG inventory can serve as a measure of progress toward more sustainable practices within an institution and as a tool for developing goals, strategies and policies to reduce emissions.

Environmental Practice 12:35–47 (2010)

Type
Features
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , March 2010 , pp. 35 - 47
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2010

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