Colgate’s 2011 gross emissions were 5.63 tons per full-time student and 7.02 tons per 1,000 square-feet of building space. This is a reduction in emissions of 0.60 tons per student and 0.42 tons per 1,000 square-feet when compared to our 2009 baseline inventory. Colgate’s highest sources of emissions were found to be our consumption of fossil fuels (e.g., fuel oil #6, fuel oil #2, kerosene, and propane) for heating at 35 percent of our total emissions, business-related air travel at 32 percent, electricity at 11 percent, and faculty and staff commuting at 8 percent.
Compared to Colgate’s 2009 baseline inventory, the university decreased its emissions by 1,159 tons (from 17,353 in 2009 to 16,194 in 2011), or by 9 percent. Colgate was able to accomplish this despite adding an additional 150 students and a new 15,000 square-foot fitness center. Colgate University accomplished these reductions by implementing effective behavior change programs coupled with various energy conservation and efficiency projects.