Energy
The campus has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 for scope 1 (on site generation and fleet vehicles) and scope 2 (purchased electricity) emissions. We are also working very hard to reduce scope 3 emissions (travel, waste related emissions and embodied carbon emissions). In appendix A, we describe a detailed road map for how the campus will achieve scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality. As a core goal, all members of our campus community are encouraged to identify ways to reduce their individual and department greenhouse gas emissions.
Achievements
- The university has not increased energy use since 2010 despite 50% more square footage and twice the number of students
- 300 lighting fixtures upgraded to LED bulbs
- 17% of all campus energy use supplied by onsite renewable energy
- Identify a preferred scenario and make progress on the Carbon Neutrality Roadmap detailed in Appendix 1.
- Explore Installation of a microgrid (renewable energy generation + energy storage) connected to the main campus enhancing the campus’s ability to maintain operations during power outages and serve its community during disasters.
- Ensure that a CSU-wide community choice aggregation (CCA) supports campus sustainability goals and enables CSUMB to achieve carbon neutrality by offering a 100% renewable electricity option.
- Formalize process for implementing infrastructure projects to ensure that a review of each project is conducted with respect to stated energy policies and existing plans and guidelines, including whether connection to the District heating and cooling system is feasible.
- Continue to identify and implement energy efficiency upgrades in existing buildings.
- In accordance with existing CSU policy, CSUMB will prioritize electrification of campus fleet vehicles.
- Collect data related to business travel and study abroad carbon emissions.
*Carbon Neutrality means achieving a state in which the net amount of carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere is reduced to zero because it is balanced by actions to eliminate reduce or offset these emissions.
- Remove all desk-side heaters and install smart power strips where possible.
- Host energy-efficiency training for building occupants to support optimal energy efficiency.
- Promote energy score cards for each building.
- Encourage each department to designate an “energy owl” to support energy reductions within departments and offices.
- Implement residential hall energy-saving competitions.
- Expand energy-saving programs for Information Technology, to reduce energy use associated with computers, monitors, servers and other types of equipment.