Clemson is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by decreasing its electrical consumption and actively pursuing renewable energy sources. The Clemson main campus consumes a significant amount of energy to power campus operations. The East Campus Substation receives electricity from our sole electrical provider, Duke Energy. In 2008, Clemson purchased approximately 146,000,000 kWH from Duke for a cost of $6.6 million. Our electrical consumption produces the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Duke Energy claiming to be the 3rd largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the U.S. has committed to significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Duke's 2007-2008 Sustainability Report details how they intend to cut their carbon dioxide emissions in half - by 50 million tons per year - by 2030.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment. Each of us contributes to GHG emissions which are causing climate change. Our carbon footprint relates to the amount of GHG produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation. A carbon footprint can be measured for an individual or an organization and is typically given in tons of carbon dioxide-equivalents (CO2-eq) per year.
You can calculate your carbon footprint by using the Carbon Footprint Calculator. As you become more aware of how your daily activities influence our climate, you may be convinced to make a change to reduce your carbon footprint.