Introduction

After signing the Carbon Commitment in 2007, Oregon State University in 2009 selected a target carbon neutrality date of 2025 and took immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Between 2008 and 2019, OSU reduced total emissions 12% (figure 1), and when normalized for enrollment and building growth, the reduction equals 41% per student and per square foot of building space (figure 2). OSU recently implemented an energy policy, a green building policy and has taken other steps to systemically address carbon emissions. Most notably, climate change and sustainability are integral to OSU’s mission, and Strategic Plan 4.0 includes carbon reduction as an institutional priority.

Actions since signing the Carbon Commitment have included installing 10 acres of solar arrays, construction of the OSU Energy Center and adopting updated construction standards. Further actions and increased investment are necessary to continue and accelerate carbon reduction efforts. These further actions require careful prioritization meshed with resourcing and a deliberate plan of action.

The OSU Path to Carbon Neutrality strengthens OSU’s Carbon Commitment and updates the university’s 2009 Climate Plan by outlining and prioritizing direct and indirect actions the university must take to achieve carbon neutrality in 2025, or soon thereafter.

Direct Actions to Reduce Emissions

Accounting for constraints like construction timing, space for new renewable energy technologies and non-renewable energy from regional grids, OSU can achieve at least 34% in direct emissions reduction in the next ten years or fewer with a number of direct actions, requiring an additional investment of approximately $1.5 million per year for 10 years. Planned investments include:

• Deep energy efficiency in existing buildings via heating and cooling tune ups (also included in SP 4.0) and upgrades, lighting upgrades, heating and cooling schedule refinement, etc.
• Enhancement funds to ensure capital projects optimize designs to reduce water use, energy use and long-term maintenance.
• Transportation and land use planning that aims for a drive alone rate for the Corvallis campus of no more than 20%.
• Strategic investments in solar equipment at properties across the state.

These investments have numerous co-benefits including reduced operating and maintenance costs, improved student engagement and retention, more comfortable buildings, increased reliability for research activities, and positive public relations.

Indirect Actions to Reduce Emissions

Indirect emissions reductions fall into two categories: 1) new renewable energy generation the university does not own (like a new wind turbine or a solar farm), and 2) purchases of renewable energy certificates (RECs) or carbon offsets from existing resources that cause incremental change in the carbon marketplace.