CARBON FOOTPRINT ESTIMATION OF NUST H-12 CAMPUS.

Abstract

For the past few centuries, human activity has significantly increased and interfered with natural processes. For instance excessive greenhouse gases (GHGs)emissions have caused global warming and its accompanying effects. In the 21st century, the global temperature has already risen about 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels and would increase by an estimated 1.5°C in between 2030 and 2052. To curtail the increasing GHG emissions carbon footprint is one such method that can help keep trajectory of the GHG emissions regularly before applying techniques to reduce them. Large organizations are considered to have a major influence on the GHG emissions. To address these concerns many organizations including universities are now tracking their carbon footprint. The focus of this study is the carbon footprint estimation of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) H-12 campus. The main objectives of this research were to estimate the carbon footprint of the NUST H-12 campus from 2019-2022. To pinpoint the underlying factors and stressors that contribute to the total carbon footprint of NUST. Further emphasis was to compare the carbon footprint of NUST with that of industrial sector mainly steel industry (for this purpose Fazal Steel (PVT) Limited was chosen). A Microsoft Excel based tool was also developed for the estimation of carbon footprint. The tool developed for university carbon footprint calculation followed the IPCC guidelines for estimation of carbon footprint. For the calculation of carbon footprint of NUST and Fazal Steel the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1 and IPCC Guidelines were used for principles and system boundaries identification. ISO 14064-1 standard was used in reporting the calculated emissions. The results obtained showed that the total carbon footprint of NUST from 2019 to 2022 was 45890.9 tCO2e. The highest carbon footprint was observed for year 2019 which was 11920.54 tCO2e. The year 2022 showed the lowest carbon footprint i.e., 11507.90 tCO2e. Scope 2 emissions were the highest to contribute for the total carbon footprint and were estimated around 24621.4 tCO2e. When compared with industrial carbon footprint Fazal Steel’s carbon emissions were estimated around 2455488.27 tCO2e, much higher than that of NUST.