TEMPLATE Introduction

In April 2019, UMA Chancellor Subbaswamy tasked the newly formed Carbon Mitigation Taskforce (CMTF) to develop a comprehensive, high-level feasibility study that seeks to achieve carbon neutrality by utilizing 100% renewable energy for all heating, cooling, and electrical systems of the main campus by 2030. This report outlines the scope, approach, results, and recommendations from the consultant team and CMTF members.

In conformity with the adoption of our new tag line “Be Revolutionary,” we should set an aggressive timeline for reaching a completely renewable energy future.

I am asking the Task Force to study, or oversee a study, that would ask what it would take to get to 100% reliance on renewable energy sources for heating, cooling, and electricity usage on our campus by 2030.

You may think of this as a serious engineering feasibility study. Much as many might have a “gut feeling” that these timelines are unrealistic, I would like to see a study conducted from a scientific / engineering point of view. This could be done by involving our own students, faculty, physical plant professionals, and outside consultants if necessary. We owe our student body such a study. – Chancellor Subbaswamy

UMA’s commitment to carbon neutrality of its energy system before 2050 makes the institution lead by example in the state of Massachusetts when it comes to carbon mitigation. The state of Massachusetts has acted on carbon mitigation with a legally binding reduction commitment for 2050, and the state goals are to decarbonize the statewide energy systems and reach 80% emission reductions by 2050 and achieve net-zero emissions.

UMA is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide of all state agencies. It is therefore essential for the Commonwealth that UMA reduces its campus emissions: without UMA the state will not meet the state-wide decarbonization goal. UMA can lead and collaborate with other higher education state agencies that also are assessing carbon reduction strategies of their energy systems. Further, this plan will support the principles outlined in the UMass System’s sustainability policy’s principles 1,2,3 and 5: sustainability planning, clean energy, green building design, and sustainable transportation.

In spring of 2020, the CMTF partnered with MEP’s consultant team to investigate the carbon-neutral energy options for the campus electricity, heating, and cooling, as well as campus fleet. The CMTF is part of UMA’s comprehensive commitment to sustainability, headed up through the UMA Chancellor's Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC). Carbon mitigation is one of the six strategic priorities for advancing sustainability identified in the Sustainability Integration Project (SIP) in 2017, which promotes integration of sustainability into operations, academics, and research. The work of the CMTF combines all three. The CMTF is a highly collaborative group composed of faculty, students, and staff to lead the carbon mitigation planning efforts by bringing collective wisdom from each group’s unique perspective.

The results of this plan show that it is technically feasible to achieve 100% renewable energy for the campus energy system by 2032, addressing the campus scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 1 emissions are defined as direct greenhouse gas emissions that are owned or controlled by UMA, such as on-site emissions from fossil fuel combustion from the campus power-plant. Scope 2 emissions are defined as indirect emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by UMA, such as off-site emissions from the electricity that UMA purchases from a utility provider. It will take coordinated leadership and effort to transition the campus infrastructure to a decarbonized system. While this plan does not include Scope 3 emissions from commuting, food systems, embodied carbon, waste, and business travel, the CMTF
recommends further investigation on scope 3 emissions as well as recommendations on policies and practices that needs to be further developed by UMA.

UMass Amherst Carbon Mitigation Taskforce Members

Policy Sub-Committee

Engagement Sub-Committee

Consultant Team