College sets new goals for reducing carbon dioxide

The College Committee on Sustainability (CCS) has completed a proposal to be presented to the College's senior officers detailing a plan to reduce Vassar's greenhouse gas emissions by four percent each year over the next decade. Greenhouse gases, which absorb and emit solar radiation, are linked to global climate change. Reducing Vassar's carbon footprint is one of CCS's main goals.

In 2005, the College emitted 30,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, meaning the gas levels have the same climate changing effect as that amount of carbon dioxide. Since then, Vassar has gone through a number of changes that most students "probably haven't noticed," according to Chair of CCS and Professor of Earth Science Jeffrey Walker. The central heating plant now uses natural gas instead of heating oil and building and steam lines have undergone renovation to improve energy efficiency. In 2009, Vassar's greenhouse gas emissions were 24,000 metric tons, a decrease of 20 percent since 2005. These improvements helped earn Vassar a "B" on its "College Sustainability Report Card," an independent evaluation by the Sustainable Endowments Institute that assesses 300 colleges and universities in the United States.

The Committee proposes a four percent average annual decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, when target emission levels would be 10,000 metric tons. This would be a 65 percent decrease from the 2005 emissions and a 58 percent decrease from the 2009 levels. This goal is ambitious compared to the plans of peer institutions, which are generally aiming for two percent annual decreases. Bard College in Annondale-on-Hudson, New York plans to reduce emissions levels by 25 percent by 2020, according to its report to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.

Though a thorough analysis of costs and savings has not been completed, the proposal offers some speculative strategies for lowering Vassar's greenhouse gas emissions. These include the purchase of carbon credits to offset emissions released from student and faculty travel, a solar-thermal system for heating water, and increasing the amount of public transportation and bicycle commuting used on and around campus while also increasing the number of hybrid and electric vehicles used by the College. In addition, improvements to increase the efficiency of College infrastructure would continue. "Ely Hall is a big energy waster," said Walker. The building is being renovated in parts to improve its insulation. "Some [strategies] probably sound appealing, but may have little effect; some sound boring but may have lots of effects," wrote Walker in an e-mailed statement.

To achieve the four percent goal, the College would also be asked to help conserve energy. "Over 80 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions come from either the fuel burned in the central heating plant or through purchased electricity," wrote Walker in an e-mailed statement. Director of Facility Operations and Grounds Kiki Williams has endorsed the CCS's proposal, which will be under review by the College's Senior Officers this week.