Emissions Reduction Campaign
Where are we now?
During the 2022-2023 academic year, Trinity’s energy-related (Scope 1 & 2) carbon emissions totalled 20,000 tonnes, while the University’s total emissions were 170,000 tonnes (Scopes 1, 2, & 3 data from 2021-2022). To put that into context we would need to plant 120,000 trees a year just to absorb our energy-related emissions.
What are our targets?
All public sector bodies are mandated to reduce energy-related Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by 51% by 2030. We are aiming for a 10% emission reduction over the next academic year. Many Irish public sector bodies have achieved this level of reduction through similar campaigns.
- Modifying the heating and ventilation of our buildings from gas boilers to heat pumps
- LED lighting retrofit projects in five buildings, replacing 7,500 light fittings and saving about 150 tonnes of carbon
- Improved efficiency of the ventilation systems in Hamilton and St James’ buildings
- Decarbonisation audits of Arts Building and House 33-37 residences
- Improved control systems for heating and ventilation and continue to record our 40 largest utility meters in real time
- New meters and a new heat retention cover for the swimming pool
- New meters for House 33-37 accommodation, and Dartry accommodation block Houses 80-82 near completion
- Implement a system where personal computer and desk equipment is always turned off when not in use
- Implement a rota where central office equipment such as copiers, scanners, printers are turned off when not in use
- Create a system so that in any central break room or kitchen area, all kitchen appliances including water boilers are turned off when not in use
- Can you share equipment or space with other departments?
- If you have ideas for investment to modernise equipment or the way it is operated, will you share that with us?
Scope1 emission sources (those directly created from sources owned or controlled
by Trinity) were natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), gasoil, road diesel, petrol, marked diesel, and
refrigerants.
Scope 2 emission sources (those indirectly created from purchased
electricity, heat, cooling or steam consumed by Trinity) included solely purchased
electricity. Electricity generated with solar photovoltaics on the Trinity Business
School and used on-site was assumed to be zero carbon and excluded.
Scope 3 emission sources (those indirectly created by Trinity’s activities but from sources
not owned or controlled by Trinity) included purchased goods and services, capital
goods, water consumption, fuel and energy related activities, waste generated in
operations, business and student academic travel, student and staff commuting,
upstream transportation and distribution, and investments. Investment data was
included in the assessment but excluded from the summary pending further clarity
on the industry sectors.
Over the coming weeks, we will be reaching out through an energy roadshow to gauge what supports and resources we can provide to help with this massive challenge. We are hoping to create a network of Green Teams throughout the University to progress and support the implementation of these actions. If you need additional information, resources or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to sustainability@tcd.ie.
