Independent study course calculates carbon footprint
Professor, students, aid Chancellor with plans for climate commitment by Aug.
Breann Schossow
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News
Beuning said the transportation group has proven to be tricky to gather data for. From students who commute to sports team travel to fleet vehicles, there is quite a bit of data that needs to be changed. To find this information, the team went to Accounts Payable to use travel reimbursement forms, but Beaning feels it cannot be done.
"It's not feasible; we don't have the manpower," she said.
To help collect transportation data, the group created a Web survey where respondents will be able to give an accurate budget, which the group needs for calculations. The survey is currently up and running, and they have received about 400 responses so far. Beuning said she thinks if even 25 percent of students take the survey, it would be helpful to the transportation group.
Beuning said the offset group studies how many offsets the university already has in place. Offsets are "carbon sinks" that take in carbon instead of emitting carbon, such as plants and undeveloped lands. The university's biggest offset is Putnam Park, but another offset is the contract the university has with the city busing system, she said.
After the course concludes, some students will stay to create a plan for carbon neutrality, which the chancellor needs by the end of August in order to fulfill the commitment to the ACUPCC, Beuning said.
Fennig said the planning will take some time due to the many calculations.
"It's a pretty intensive project."
"It's not feasible; we don't have the manpower," she said.
To help collect transportation data, the group created a Web survey where respondents will be able to give an accurate budget, which the group needs for calculations. The survey is currently up and running, and they have received about 400 responses so far. Beuning said she thinks if even 25 percent of students take the survey, it would be helpful to the transportation group.
Beuning said the offset group studies how many offsets the university already has in place. Offsets are "carbon sinks" that take in carbon instead of emitting carbon, such as plants and undeveloped lands. The university's biggest offset is Putnam Park, but another offset is the contract the university has with the city busing system, she said.
After the course concludes, some students will stay to create a plan for carbon neutrality, which the chancellor needs by the end of August in order to fulfill the commitment to the ACUPCC, Beuning said.
Fennig said the planning will take some time due to the many calculations.
"It's a pretty intensive project."
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