| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.32 |
| Liaison | Ian Johnson |
| Submission Date | June 3, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colorado College
OP-1: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
7.95 / 10.00 |
Ian
Johnson Sustainability Director Office of Sustainability |
Has the institution conducted a GHG emissions inventory that includes all Scope 1 and 2 emissions? :
Does the institution’s GHG emissions inventory include all, some or none of its Scope 3 GHG emissions from the following categories?:
| All, Some, or None | |
| Business travel | All |
| Commuting | All |
| Purchased goods and services | None |
| Capital goods | None |
| Waste generated in operations | All |
| Fuel- and energy-related activities not included in Scope 1 or Scope 2 | All |
| Other categories | Some |
A copy of the most recent GHG emissions inventory:
A brief description of the methodology and/or tool used to complete the GHG emissions inventory, including how the institution accounted for each category of Scope 3 emissions reported above:
To complete the GHG emissions inventory and track progress toward our 2020 carbon neutrality goal, Colorado College uses the University of New Hampshire’s SIMAP (Sustainability Indicator Management and Analysis Platform) carbon and nitrogen accounting platform. Based in partnerships with the University of Virginia and the EPA, this tool provides a comprehensive and accessible platform to maintain the GHG inventory. It is targeted specifically at colleges and universities, allowing for easy comparison with other institutions.
Each year, a paid student intern and a team of student volunteers at the Colorado College Office of Sustainability collect campus greenhouse gas emissions data from the previous fiscal year. Data collected include all direct and indirect campus emissions, or Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon and nitrogen emissions. Students compile these data into the GHG emissions inventory which is submitted to SIMAP, analyzed using its algorithms, and returned in a report that includes year-to-year comparisons.
Has the GHG emissions inventory been validated internally by personnel who are independent of the GHG accounting and reporting process and/or verified by an independent, external third party?:
A brief description of the internal and/or external verification process:
The GHG inventory is conducted by a lead GHG Inventory intern and volunteer team members (students) who work for the Office of Sustainability. The Sustainability Director maintains a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quantifier certification through CSA Group (CSA Groups is the third-party oversight to ISO Standard 14064/5 that deals with quantification of greenhouse gases). The Sustainability Director reviews and validates the information collected and submitted by the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Team.
Documentation to support the internal and/or external verification process:
Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 and Part 3 of this credit? (reductions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions):
Gross Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Gross Scope 1 GHG emissions from stationary combustion | 6,184.61 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 10,158 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Gross Scope 1 GHG emissions from other sources | 404.20 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 379.41 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Gross Scope 2 GHG emissions from purchased electricity | 4,695.16 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 15,692.47 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Gross Scope 2 GHG emissions from other sources | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Total | 11,283.97 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 26,229.88 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
Start and end dates of the performance year and baseline year (or three-year periods):
| Start Date | End Date | |
| Performance Year | July 1, 2017 | June 30, 2018 |
| Baseline Year | July 1, 2007 | June 30, 2008 |
A brief description of when and why the GHG emissions baseline was adopted (e.g. in sustainability plans and policies or in the context of other reporting obligations):
Following Colorado College’s signing of the ACUPCC and our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2020, the GHG emissions inventory was initiated. The baseline was first accounted for 2008.
Figures needed to determine total carbon offsets:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Third-party verified carbon offsets purchased (exclude purchased RECs/GOs) | 2,052 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Institution-catalyzed carbon offsets generated | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Carbon sequestration due to land that the institution manages specifically for sequestration | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Carbon storage from on-site composting | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 12 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Carbon offsets included above for which the emissions reductions have been sold or transferred by the institution | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Net carbon offsets | 2,052 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 12 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
A brief description of the offsets in each category reported above, including vendor, project source, verification program and contract timeframes (as applicable):
Carbon offsets were purchased in 2018 to account for Colorado College’s acquisition of the Fine Arts Center. 2,052 MTeCO2 were purchased.
Emissions reductions attributable to Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) or Guarantee of Origin (GO) purchases:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Emissions reductions attributable to REC/GO purchases | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 0 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
A brief description of the purchased RECs/GOs including vendor, project source and verification program:
Colorado College has 1/4 share of the two solar gardens located in Colorado Springs, CO: Clean Energy Collective and SunShare. Colorado College receives bill credits from the project developers as well as renewable energy credits verified through Green-e.
Beginning in 2018, Colorado purchased an additional 5772 RECs to mitigate the effects of the Fine Arts Center merging with the college.
Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions | 9,231.97 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 26,217.88 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
Figures needed to determine “Weighted Campus Users”:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Number of students resident on-site | 1,611 | 1,480 |
| Number of employees resident on-site | 2 | 28 |
| Number of other individuals resident on-site and/or staffed hospital beds | 0 | 0 |
| Total full-time equivalent student enrollment | 2,278 | 1,996.50 |
| Full-time equivalent of employees (staff + faculty) | 891 | 685 |
| Full-time equivalent of students enrolled exclusively in distance education | 0 | 0 |
| Weighted campus users | 2,780 | 2,388.13 |
Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per weighted campus user:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per weighted campus user | 3.32 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent | 10.98 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
Percentage reduction in adjusted net Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions per weighted campus user from baseline:
Gross floor area of building space, performance year:
Floor area of energy intensive building space, performance year:
| Floor Area | |
| Laboratory space | 195,825 Square feet |
| Healthcare space | 0 Square feet |
| Other energy intensive space | 32,584 Square feet |
EUI-adjusted floor area, performance year:
Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per unit of EUI-adjusted floor area, performance year:
Scope 3 GHG emissions, performance year:
| Emissions | |
| Business travel | 5,328.44 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Commuting | 426.65 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Purchased goods and services | 66.39 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Capital goods | --- |
| Fuel- and energy-related activities not included in Scope 1 or Scope 2 | --- |
| Waste generated in operations | 836.93 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent |
| Other categories | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s GHG emissions reduction initiatives, including efforts made during the previous three years:
Colorado College is committed to meeting its 2020 carbon neutrality goal. In the first four years, as directed by the Sustainability Plan drafted in 2009, Colorado College reduced carbon emissions by more than 20% and saved $1.74 million in utility costs. Utilities management at Colorado College has become an area of increased emphasis. In FY13 CC experienced continued success in decreasing energy use and costs campus-wide. Cumulative avoided costs for utilities are estimated in excess of $5.7M since the 2008 baseline. Recent and notable accomplishments include: hiring of a full-time on Campus Energy Manager; developing the Carbon Neutrality Plan through collaboration between the Office of Sustainability, Facilities Services, and the Campus Sustainability Council; increasing renewable energy purchases via wind from Colorado Springs Utilities and solar from SunShare; introducing Sofame Heat Recovery at the Central Heating Plant, the building of various solar arrays on buildings around campus including the dean's house, Synergy house, Gaylord Apartments, The Worner Center, El Pomar Center, and Cornerstone Arts Center. The Dean's house and Synergy House are now net-zero buildings.
As of January 2015, LED lights were installed in the Honnen Ice Arena which resulted in 75% energy reduction and annual carbon savings of 100 MTCO2. In May 2015, LED lights were also installed in Schlessman Pool, resulting in 75% energy reduction and annual carbon savings of 40 MTCO2.
A water conservation project including pipe repairs at Schlessman Pool was completed in 2017. It resulted in savings of 4.1 million gallons of water saved from 2015 to 2016.
Numerous improvements have been made across campus in machine efficiency, ranging from instruments in Barnes to the steam generator in our campus cogeneration plant. Real-time energy dashboards accessible for the public were completed.
In 2018, Colorado College acquired the neighboring Fine Arts Center, which increased GHG emissions. Audits and commissioning are in the works, and RECs were purchased in 2017. Colorado College also completed renovations to Tutt Library. Tutt Library is powered using geoexchange and is a net-zero building that sets a national precedent for sustainable libraries.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
CC Carbon Neutrality Plan: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/sustainability/overview/state-of-sustainability.html
The greenhouse gas inventory includes Colorado College's main campus, the Florissant CC Cabin, and the Baca Campus at Crestone, Colorado. Properties owned by the College but managed by external entities were excluded from the inventory, because the College is not responsible for the occupancy or maintenance of utilities for the associated buildings.
2018 Energy Report:
https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/facilities/energy-management/CC%202018%20Annual%20Energy%20Report.pdf
CC Carbon Neutrality Plan: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/sustainability/overview/state-of-sustainability.html
The greenhouse gas inventory includes Colorado College's main campus, the Florissant CC Cabin, and the Baca Campus at Crestone, Colorado. Properties owned by the College but managed by external entities were excluded from the inventory, because the College is not responsible for the occupancy or maintenance of utilities for the associated buildings.
2018 Energy Report:
https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/facilities/energy-management/CC%202018%20Annual%20Energy%20Report.pdf
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.