How We Are Doing

Ohio University has committed to being carbon neutral by the year 2075, but the carbon neutrality data of 2050 is proposed for the 2021 Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (see above).

Carbon emissions are calculated each year and are reported(opens in a new window) to Second Nature, the organization responsible for the Presidents' Carbon Commitment.  Ohio University is a signatory of the Presidents' Carbon Commitment, formerly the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).  Reporting lags by over a year, as carbon emissions for one fiscal year are due May 1 of the next fiscal year.

Ohio University Carbon Emissions, FY12-FY2

Ohio University Nitrogen Emissions, FY12-FY20

Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) is the baseline year for Ohio University, and emissions have decreased substantially on the Athens Campus since FY12, thanks primarily to:

1. ) energy conservation measures through the Energy Infrastructure Project (EIP),
2. ) fuel switching from coal to all natural gas at the Lausche Heating Plant on Thanksgiving Day, 2015, and
3. ) the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) for 50% of electricity purchases, beginning in January, 2016, and beginning in January, 2021 for 100% of electricity purchases.

In 2016, an effort was made to create baseline greenhouse gas emissions across all campuses. Baseline data has been collected from Southern, Chillicothe and Lancaster campuses, and emissions reports are partially completed.