Reducing Dickinson's Carbon Footprint
Findings from an evaluation of Dickinson College’s Climate Action Plan and recommendations are presented. The evaluation was conducted by students in the spring 2011 course Practicum in Sustainability: Reducing Dickinson’s Carbon Footprint, who were charged by the President’s Commission on Environmental Sustainability (PCES) with conducting the first review of Dickinson’s Climate Action Plan and recommending actions for reaching zero net emissions of greenhouse gases. Students in the course spent the semester evaluating the college’s action plan, assessing progress in its implementation, making comparisons to other schools, consulting with on and off campus experts, and researching options for reducing emissions and increasing the effectiveness of implementation. Results of their research and recommendations are presented for GHG emission trends, projections and targets; energy conservation in lighting and supplemental loads; energy conservation in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; cogeneration and renewable energy; space utilization and new buildings; transportation; carbon offsets; and implementation, monitoring and financing. The students met with PCES at the end of the semester to present and discuss their recommendations. The final report, which is a compilation of their joint work, has been transmitted to PCES and the recommendations will be taken up for consideration when the commission reconvenes in fall 2011.
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