Marty Matlock, PhD, PE, BCEE Executive Director, Office for Sustainability Professor,UA Division of Agriculture Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department University of Arkansas Updating the Climate Action Plan American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Climate Commitment 2014

2 Background on UA CAP In February 2007, the University of Arkansas’s flagship campus in Fayetteville, under the leadership of then-Chancellor John A. White, became a charter signatory to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). UA initiated aggressive and innovative programs and structures that we expect will lead us to climate neutrality by The Climate Action Plan outlines methods and means by which our institution will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent below the business-as-usual level (i.e., the level of emissions that the institution would emit with no significant carbon emissions reduction efforts) by This plan also establishes the goal of achieving climate neutrality (as defined by the ACUPCC) by 2040.

3 Aspirational Goal: Achieve GHG emissions neutrality (zero net emissions) by Strategic Goals: By 2014 we will reduce GHG emissions to the 2005 emissions level or lower, and will therefore emit 163,000 metric tons CO 2 equivalent (MTCDE). By 2021 we will achieve 50 percent reduction of predicted emissions to 125,000 MTCDE (1990 UA emissions level). This goal was divided into three phases: through 2014 is the short-term plan; through 2021 is the mid-term plan; through 2040 is the long-term plan. Goals for GHG Reduction

4 Implement energy conservation and energy efficiency measures to buildings and transportation systems. Create campus policies that facilitate energy and water savings, and promote increased recycling of solid waste through 2014: the short-term plan

5 Installation of renewable energy systems and procurement of green energy from local sources. Begin an active research program to assess the technical and financial feasibility of sequestering carbon in Arkansas forests under the management of the University of Arkansas through 2021: the mid-term plan

6 Acquire carbon credits and related offsets as needed to make our campus fully climate neutral within our long-term timeframe through 2040: the long-term plan

7 Anticipated 25,000 students by 2021, achieved it by Increased GHG emissions pressure from increased student base and expanded facilities. Gross greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 3.31% Combined full time equivalent of students, staff and faculty increased by 33% and total gross square feet increased by 21% since Status Report

GHG Emissions and Combined FTE, Goal 2021 Goal

9 Total greenhouse gas emissions for 2013 were 148,616 MTCDE Emissions for 2002 were 153,702 MTCDE The University of Arkansas has increased energy efficiency while also reducing emissions since Status Report

10 Construction of LEED buildings with high efficient heating and cooling systems and tighter building envelopes Energy savings performance contracts Currently the UA is below their 2002 emissions levels and, with future strategic technological undertakings, will continue to decrease emissions per FTE and GSF, while simultaneously lowering gross GHG Status Report

Urban Forest Carbon Sequestration Assessment (draft data, in peer review ) 1212 trees surveyed from Campus forest (about 20% of main campus) MTCDE of carbon sequestered annually (t) was stored as biomass (t) as above-ground biomass Potential for as much as 900 MTCDE per year sequestration from main campus urban forest – not enough… 11

Achieving Zero GHG Emissions We have met our short term goals (2014) We are on the way to meeting our mid-term goal (2021). We need to reduce current emission by 145,000 MTCDE in 16 years to meet our aspirational goal. Forest sequestration will likely not get us there. Buying carbon credits is not a real solution. We need transformational change. 12

13 1.Is this aspirational goal appropriate? 2.Is the strategic goal appropriate? 3.What should we keep doing that we are currently doing? 4.What should we be doing that we are not currently doing? Questions