Climate
Elon University’s Sustainability Master Plan (2015) includes an objective to “establish a carbon neutral university by 2037”, which carries over from the initial Sustainability Master Plan (2006-2007). This objective is also included in the Boldly Elon Strategic Plan (2020). Calculating the university’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon footprint) is one of the essential steps in tracking progress of this effort.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The university’s first greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon footprint was first calculated for FY 2008, and it serves as the baseline from which to measure reductions. An inventory is conducted yearly to monitor progress toward the university’s carbon reduction goals. Elon’s FY 2023 net GHG emissions were 26% lower than FY 2008 net emissions. This decrease is mostly due to the source of Elon’s purchased electricity being less carbon intensive and the purchase of verified carbon offsets for the Carbon Neutral Global Engagement Initiative (CNGEI).
Emissions per 1,000 square feet decreased from FY 2008 to FY 2023, even though square footage increased 69%. This graph depicts the 57% decrease in emissions per 1,000 square feet (red line).
Emissions per student also decreased from FY 2008 to FY 2023, even though the number of FTE students increased 32%. This graph illustrates the change in emissions per FTE student over time. Compared to FY 2008, in FY 2023 emissions per FTE student were down 44% (green line).
This chart illustrates the sources of Elon’s gross emissions (prior to subtracting verified carbon offsets). Energy consumption is the largest source of Elon’s GHG emissions accounting for 43% of Elon’s emissions in FY 2023.
Study abroad travel represents 21% of Elon’s FY 2023 emissions, which is a large increase from the 3% it was in FY 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but not back to the 25% it was prior to the pandemic. Study abroad emissions are not a source of emissions that will be actively reduced. Given this, the Global Education Center (GEC) and Office of Sustainability collaborated to create the Carbon Neutral Global Engagement Initiative, which started in fall 2020. Through this initiative, Elon purchases verified carbon offsets on an annual basis to account for the carbon impact of global engagement travel.
Contact us for the full GHG Inventory report for FY 23.
Climate Action Plan
To guide this effort, the university completed a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in the spring of 2010. In 2017, an assessment of the CAP was done to determine progress and next steps toward meeting the carbon neutrality goal.
The 2010 CAP identifies emission reduction strategies and goals in four categories: energy; transportation; solid waste; and other sources such as fertilizer application, refrigeration and wastewater. It also includes recommendations for incorporating sustainability and climate change into education, research and community outreach.
The next campus wide Sustainability Master Plan will include climate action strategies, which will allow the initial CAP to be retired.
Solar Farm at Elon
The solar farm at Elon does not currently contribute directly to the university’s carbon reduction goals but it does contribute to regional carbon reduction.
Construction of the nearly 15 acre solar farm began in spring 2015 and was completed in October 2015. The system was designed for a maximum generation of 4,500 MWh of electricity, which equates to removing about 1,200 metric tons of carbon emissions per year from the atmosphere, based on Elon’s electricity supplier, or removing about 286 cars from the road per year. Real-time electricity generation can be viewed on the Building Dashboard.
The farm is on Elon property. The property is leased to Facile Solar LLC, a private company responsible for the operation of the facility. The electricity is sold through the owner of the facility to Duke Energy and delivered directly to the power grid where it, along with electricity from other sources, is utilized by regional customers.
The solar farm models responsible global citizenship and benefits Elon students by providing an opportunity to study the equipment, operation and economics of the system.
Visiting the Solar Farm
Request a Tour: One hour tour of the solar farm and Elon Environmental Center at Loy Farm which includes the responsible architecture studio, forest classroom and food and farming system operations. Minimum group size is 5 people. Parking is limited so transportation is provided to and from the Environmental Center.
Faculty interested in accessing the solar farm site for something other than a tour should contact Elaine Durr.