Tracking Emissions Leads to Reducing Emissions Leads to a Healthier Planet
Ongoing Campus Effort to Reduce Gases that Contribute to Global Warming.
The first months of 2008 have been exciting for Environ-mental Protection Specialist Aimee Pfohl, who is tasked with monitoring and reporting the University’s emissions of “greenhouse” gases that contribute to global warming. Together with her colleagues throughout the campus and the Medical Center, Aimee is compiling emissions data from UC Davis buildings, vehicles and operations throughout 2007 and preparing a report for the California Climatic Action Registry.
“We participated in the Registry survey for the first time in 2005,” says Aimee, “and we received official certification as a “Climate Action Leader” for complying with the program’s rigorous reporting standards.” By participating in the Registry, UC Davis joins other proactive organizations throughout the state in the effort to track and ultimately reduce damaging emissions.
The data so far indicates that the campus had fewer emissions in 2006 than in 2005. This reduction is largely due to a greater proportion of hydroelectric power over coal as the source of the University’s electrical power in 2007. “Not something we can control, but we’re happy about it!” says Aimee. The use of high-efficiency chillers, transitioning vehicles to alternative fuels, and educating the campus community on purchasing decisions, such as purchasing Energy Star rated equipment, are only some of the efforts that will aid in reducing emissions.
Aimee is confident that progress will continue. “The tracking process establishes reliable baseline data that makes it easier for us to set goals and report our progress on systematically reducing emissions,” she says. “But more importantly, the attention we’ve generated is raising awareness throughout the campus community. More than ever, people understand that actions at every level, such as turning out the lights and powering down computers and printers, are part of the solution.”
To learn more about the California Climatic Action Registry, visit www.climateregistry.org. For information on UC Davis sustainability efforts, visit sustainability@ucdavis.edu.
To learn how you can help reduce greenhouse gases while at work and at home, click on www.climatechange.ca.gov/ and www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html.