UNH GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY 
As the nation continues to struggle in search of a viable energy policy, and as the signs continue to mount of climate change already occuring, universities and colleges have the opportunity to demonstrate the feasibility and economic advantage of increasing energy conservation and efficiency and therefore decreasing emissions. In the winter of 2000, the University of New Hampshire's University Office of Sustainability developed a partnership with the non-profit Clean Air - Cool Planet to produce a greenhouse gas inventory tool that adapted national and international inventory methodologies to the unique scale and character of a university community. Using the inventory tool, UNH's greenhouse gas emissions were documented for the years 1990 through 2000. In 2004, new data for the years 2001 through 2003 were added to a new report: the 1990-2003 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. In 2006, new data for the years 2004 through 2005 were added to an update to this 1990-2003 report. To date, the inventory tool has been downloaded by over 700 institutions!
Learn more about the University Office of Sustainability's and Clean Air - Cool Planet's greenhouse gas emissions calculator
UNH Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Reports
2006-2007 Update Findings
- UNHgreenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) have risen from 1990–2003 and have since been declining.
- Since the last publication of the inventory in 2005, there has been a 7.5% reduction in emissions due primarily to the installation of a electricity and steam co-generation (combined heat and power) facility on campus, as well as reductions in transportation emissions.
- Despite the decline from the 2003 peak, emissions remain at 13% above 1990 levels.
- Emissions are expected to decline in FY2008 as more of the co-generation plant’s fuel needs are met by natural gas and then by landfill gas in the following fiscal year (FY09).
2004-2005 Update Findings
- Total greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) for fiscal year 2004: 72,042 MTCDE (metric tons carbon dioxide equivalents). Total GHGE for fiscal year 2005: 68,324 MTCDE.
- Approximate UNH sources of GHGE for 2005: 48% stationary sources (e.g. heating); 35% electricy; 17% transportation; less than 2% from agriculture, solid waste disposal, and refrigerants.
- Despite a 5% decrease in GHGE from 2004 to 2005, there has been a net increase of 25% from 1995 to 2005.
- The UNH COGEN plant is projected to save UNH $30 to 40 million in energy costs over twenty years.
- Recycling of light iron, electronic waste, glass, plastics, and 630 tons of paper prevented the release of 17,000 MTCDE.
- Use of compressed nature gas, a clean burning fuel, by the UNH vehicle fleet increased from 1,200 therms in 2004 to 19,000 therms in 2005.
- UNH has had many energy and climate-related achievements over the course of 2003-2005 since the last UNH Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory was completed, including creation of the UNH Energy Task Force (ETF) in 2005 and expansion of the UNH Climate Education Initiative's WildCAP, a campus-wide climate action program that focuses on student education and engagement, offers the UNH community discounts on Energy Star and energy efficient appliances and electronics through Houghton’s ACE Hardware of Durham, Newmarket, and Lee.
- Recommendations for future reductions in GHGE emissions: piping landfill methane from a local landfill to the Durham campus for use in UNH's COGEN plant; continued expansion of alternative fuel and clean technology transportation options; improved tracking of waste and of miles flown by faculty, staff, and students for UNH-related efforts; and expansion of related curricula and research efforts, such as in fields like biocrops and biofuels and the links among climate and both ecological and human health and disease.
1990-2003 Findings
- UNH emits on average 60,300 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents each year.
- On average, the yearly percent increase in emissions is 1.8%
- There has been a net increase (+24.9%) in total emissions from 1990-2003.
- When UNH's upstream emissions are included in the calculation, the total emissions for the university increase by 15%. Upstream emissions are the emissions associated with the collection, transport, storage and refinement of fuels.
- The major sources of UNH's emissions result from on-campus stationary sources (49%) and purchased electricity (37%), with all forms of transportation accounting for 13% of the total . Solid waste disposal, agriculture, and refrigeration make up the remaining 1% (fiscal year 2003).
- UNH relies predominantly on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. In fiscal year 2003, the university's needs were met by using 81% fossil fuels (coal, oil, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and propane), 14% nuclear, 5% hydroelectric power production, and 0% renewable.
- Total energy use has increased (+33.5%) and energy use per student has also increased (+14.5%) from 1990-2003. This increase is due to major new construction projects and significant addition of air conditioning to campus buildings.
- From 1990 to 2003, dependence upon electricity generated by a regional provider has restricted UNH's ability to achieve more aggressive reduction goals.
- UNH has initiated policies that reduce emissions in its campus operations. Despite a growing population of faculty, staff, and students, greenhouse gas emissions have increased at a significantly slower rate than the national average. This was primarily due to a shift from carbon-intensive energy production (such as the incinerator) to natural gas use on campus and energy efficiency projects of the UNH Energy Office. According to a study completed by the US Department of Energy, the university saves $4 million a year (compared to other schools in UNH's peer group in 2000) in reduced consumption due to its efficient use of energy.
- Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions have increased over the past fourteen years due to infrastructure expansion and added air conditioning. This increase now outpaces efficiency upgrades and behavioral changes resulting from educational efforts.
- As a result of rigorous financial and environmental analysis, the UNH Board of Trustees approved the construction of a combined heat and power facility (CHP). Calculations of emissions under the CHP scenario beginning in 2005 project a 40% decrease in the university's greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, these reductions will be achieved with existing technology deployed through a financially -sound business model thereby improving public and environmental health as well economic productivity and competitiveness.
