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Erika Kupatt Ben Scandella Charlie Waters ENST 698 Spring 2008 Capstone

An Evaluation of UNC Student Energy Use: Recommendations to Reduce the University’s Carbon Emissions. Erika Kupatt Ben Scandella Charlie Waters ENST 698 Spring 2008 Capstone. Background. Chapel Hill and UNC pledged to reduce CO 2 emissions by 60% by 2050.

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Erika Kupatt Ben Scandella Charlie Waters ENST 698 Spring 2008 Capstone

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  1. An Evaluation of UNC Student Energy Use: Recommendations to Reduce the University’s Carbon Emissions Erika Kupatt Ben Scandella Charlie Waters ENST 698 Spring 2008 Capstone

  2. Background • Chapel Hill and UNC pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050. • UNC annually produces 340,000 metric tons of CO2. • All 28,000 students must help the university in reducing carbon emissions by 60% or 204,000 metric tons of CO2.

  3. The Survey • Administered the survey online; gained access to entire student body. • Gathered info about students’ energy-use behavior and their willingness to change. • Analyzed data from first 400 students who completed survey.

  4. Respondent Profile Our Survey: • 71% female • 67% off campus • 2% Greek • UNC: • 59% female • 56% off campus • 9% Greek

  5. Provide Power Strips in Dorms • Phantom loads are major wastes of energy. • Educate students about phantom load. Annual savings: $21,000 and 160 metric tons of CO2

  6. Increase Local Foods in Dining Halls • Average food item travels 1500 mi. • Food heavily dependent on fertilizers and industrial machinery. • Local farms reduce fossil fuel use. • CDS has made progress with help of FLO Food. • Future Improvements: • More communication • Increased convenience • Campus farm

  7. Promote Reusable Beverage Containers • Sell reusable mugs; offer discounts on beverages and hand out coupons. • 72% of respondents willing to pay at least $5 for a mug. • This would reduce associated emissions and waste.

  8. Reduce Hot Water Use In Showers • #1: Take shorter showers • Avg. student shower length: 11.4 min • 38% of students in dorms willing to take shorter showers • Install shower timers • Implement an educational campaign • #2: Install low flow showerheads • 66% of students in dorms willing to use low-flow • #3: Increase solar thermal panels • Panels provide 40%-60% of hot water for Morrison Annual savings: $1,083,000 and 1,640 metric tons of CO2

  9. Provide Drying Racks and Clothes Lines • Dryers use 1.8-5 kWh/h • 57% of UNC students only use dryers Annual Savings: $43,000 and 350 metric tons CO2

  10. Increase Recycling • UNC recycled 43% of solid waste in 2006-2007 • Fiber recycling saved $846,000 and over 10,000 kWh in 2006-2007 • 59% on campus and 68% off campus always recycle • Educate about what’s recyclable and improve accessibility • Currently, UNC students each recycle an average of 222 pounds of fiber per year Annual Savings: $92,000 and 770 metric tons CO2

  11. Encourage Thermostat Adjustment • Average summer temp was 74˚F for off-campus and 69˚ for on-campus students • Average winter temperature was 68˚F for both • Students on campus adjust thermostats when they leave far less frequently than those off campus

  12. Increase Student Energy Fee • $4 current semester fee • Used for solar hot water system in Morrison • Raise and diversify fee • Annual Gain: $224,000

  13. Expand Energy Efficient Lighting • CFLs 75% more efficient. • UNC has goal of replacing all lights with energy efficient bulbs by 2010 • Give out CFLs to students Annual Savings: $247,000 and 2050 metric tons CO2

  14. Promote Use of Alternative Transportation • Incentives for using public transportation and increased availability of information. • Promotion of CAPS program • Blue Urban Bike Program • Incentives for carpooling

  15. Minimum Total Estimated Savings Based on the estimated savings of 5 of the 10 recommendations, $1,486,000 and 4,970 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions would be saved annually.

  16. 4,970 metric tons of CO2 saved = 2.4% of the 204,000 metric tons that must be cut.

  17. Special Thanks: Brian Naess and Dana Haine Institute for the Environment Terri Buckner Office of Sustainability

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