Temple University's Emissions Drop 18% Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, Temple University's greenhouse gas emissions plummeted by 18% compared to the previous year, with a 36% reduction from the 2006-2007 baseline. The decrease is attributed to the university's Main Campus closure, which led to reduced commuting, university-financed travel, and solid waste. The report also highlights Temple's significant reduction in emissions from commuting, with a 39% decrease. As students returned to campus in the 2020-2021 school year, emissions are expected to increase, but remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • Temple University's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 18% in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, compared to the previous year.
  • The university's biggest reduction in emissions came from commuting, with a 39% decrease.
  • Temple's Main Campus closure led to reduced solid waste, university-financed travel, and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The pandemic allowed the university to reassess its facilities' efficiency and explore opportunities for improving sustainability.
  • Temple aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • The university has implemented initiatives to reduce emissions, including replacing old heating sources with programmable thermostats and reducing energy-efficient lighting.
  • Temple met several benchmarks, including increasing core recycling by 30% and increasing the number of students who use public transit or bicycles to 75%.
  • The university's waste diversion from landfills decreased by 35%, lower than their goal of 50% reduction.
  • Emissions from Temple's fleet vehicles have increased by 4% since 2006, but 16% of fleet vehicles used alternative fuel sources in 2020.

Statistics:

  • 18% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in the 2019-2020 fiscal year compared to the previous year.
  • 36% reduction in emissions from the 2006-2007 baseline.
  • 39% decrease in emissions from commuting.
  • 44% decrease in single-occupancy vehicles parked on campus in 2020.
  • 30% increase in core recycling by 2020.
  • 75% of students use public transit or bicycles to travel to campus.
  • 35% decrease in waste diversion from landfills.
  • 16% of fleet vehicles used alternative fuel sources in 2020.
  • 4% increase in emissions from Temple's fleet vehicles since 2006.

Sources:

  • Temple University's Office of Sustainability Annual Sustainability Report 2019-2020.
  • Environmental Protection Agency.
  • World Meteorological Association.
  • The Temple News.
  • Campus operations report to the Office of Sustainability.