Energy and Environment

Complementing Clemson’s goals for sustainability education are our sustainability goals for University operations. These goals include sustainability practices ranging from water to energy to the culture and leadership described previously. While the guiding sustainability goal for our University operations is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, there are important elements of sustainability that are not covered explicitly by this goal. These elements will still be pursued. Carbon neutrality was selected as an overarching goal because it is a broad umbrella that touches almost every aspect of life at the University. How the grass is fertilized and watered, how we travel, how we build and operate buildings, are all important aspects of our pursuit of carbon neutrality. Perhaps most importantly, energy and carbon emissions are directly related. Both the source of energy and how it is used are significant issues that are addressed in this Action Plan.

Clemson’s action steps for energy and environment are aggressive. They show how the University eliminates or offsets more than 150,000 tons of carbon emissions in one generation while allowing for growth and change of the institution. There are significant hurdles we must overcome to achieve each and every one of the initiatives outlined here, but the Action Plan is achievable. There is no single solution. For example, achieving carbon neutrality by switching to 100% renewable energy is not a sustainable solution economically. The actual solution will have multiple layers and will require that we think strategically and in terms of years and decades to effect sustainable change on the scale that we project.

Clemson University currently emits approximately 150,000 metric tons of carbon equivalent every year. To put this in context, one metric ton of CO2 is equivalent to: driving 2,400 miles in a car; burning 1/2 ton of coal; or using a 60-watt equivalent compact fluorescent light bulb continuously for 13 years.

The big idea is to drive these emissions to zero. This will involve a host of action steps ranging from those that are simple and immediately save money, to those that are complicated and require long-term financial planning. Enacting all of these initiatives as described in this Action Plan is projected to bring us to our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

The action steps to meet our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030 fall into the following eight interrelated categories:

• Carbon neutrality planning and policy.
• Cleaner supply: Carbon-free energy sources.
• Reduced demand: Energy system efficiency.
• Reduced demand: Building energy efficiency.
• Reduced demand: Transportation energy efficiency.
• Carbon offsets.
• Advances in technology.
• Other conservation, resource management and waste elimination efforts.

Within each category, action items may be ongoing, in the planning stage, or an idea in need of a “champion” to turn it into a reality. If you would like to contribute to or add an action item, please email sustainability@clemson.edu.