GV reduces carbon footprint despite university growth
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Grand Valley State University’s carbon footprint for the fiscal year of 2012 has been calculated this January, showing a reduction from 56,816 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MTCO2e) in the baseline year of 2006 to 54,139 MTCO2e. This change occurred despite considerable university growth in both students and built space. This reduction is a 4.7 percent decrease in the university’s carbon footprint and a 20.8 percent decrease on a square-footage basis.
GVSU’s carbon footprint is calculated every year by members of the Climate Action Council as part of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which was signed by GVSU President Thomas Haas in 2007. The commitment includes building to LEED silver standards, purchasing Energy Star appliances for the university, participating in Recyclemania! and using the Rapid Bus System for students, staff and faculty.
The carbon footprint is a measurement of greenhouse gas emissions, and data is collected on three different scopes, or kinds of emissions. The first is energy that is produced, the second is energy that is purchased, and the last is the more subjectively calculated scope, which involves the estimation of emissions contributors like waste and commuting. Most of the goals for the university are based on scopes one and two.
“Scope 3 involves determining the breakdown of our commuters including how far they drove and how many trips per week they take,” said Bart Bartels, campus sustainability manager for GVSU. “Approximations used make this calculation less precise than the methodology of Scopes 1 and 2.”
GVSU started calculating its carbon footprint in 2006, as several sustainability projects were being initiated in 2007.
“There are many reasons for the drop in the greenhouse gas emissions, including energy conservation efforts, more efficient buildings and a winter that was 13 percent warmer than 2006,” Bartels said.
He added that another reason is the inclusion of Energy Star appliances in GVSU buildings, especially in living centers and dining halls.
“Energy Star appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances,” Bartels said.
Additionally, the rate of water consumption per square foot has decreased by 22 percent compared to the rate calculated six years ago. This is significant as less consumption leads to less water in need of treatment, which in turn saves energy and money.
ephillips@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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