Emissions Reductions Options

CalCAP identified a range of mitigation strategies available to UC Berkeley. Many of these identified projects have already been in progress at a smaller scale. CalCAP estimated their emissions reduction potential, capital and operating cost, and discounted value of future investment in present terms to assess their impact on emissions reduction if implemented at a larger scale.

In addition, CalCAP learned from the best practices for emissions reduction deployed in other campuses.

Infrastructure projects – These infrastructure projects are meant to enhance energy efficiency of campus energy systems.  They have a significant upfront cost, but they have a quick payback and savings that can be further invested.  Projects that we have gathering information on include:

• Energy Star (EPA) computer settings
• Monitoring-based commissioning
• CoGeneration plant steam capture and repair
• Automated Lighting Controls
• Fluorescent lighting retrofits 
• On-site Photovoltaic System
• Retrofitting bathrooms for better water conservation

Behavior Projects – These are campus initiatives that will allow and encourage individuals to conserve more energy.  These projects require some capital investment and a significant dedication to coordination and planning.  They also have a quick payback and an ability to establish a culture of environmentally sustainable practices.  These projects include: 

• Introduce Fleet Biking
• Expand electric vehicle fleet
• Implement High Priority Bicycle Plan Projects & Programs
• Department Level Energy Reduction Effort
• Increase utilization of videoconference room(s)
• Increasing occupant awareness and electricity curtailment 
• Introduce Campus Composting program

Carbon Offsets – This is the process of reducing the net carbon emissions through arrangements with another party who reduces emissions somewhere off of the UC Berkeley campus. Carbon-offset providers specializing in investing in projects that retire or capture carbon from the atmosphere. One example would be to protect a forest in a developing country that would otherwise be cut down. Carbon offsets can be purchased from many organizations, but the lack of formal regulation of this market raises questions about their “additionality” (requiring that offset credits are only awarded to projects that would not have otherwise happened) and “permanence” (requiring that offsets cannot be reversed, which is especially relevant to sequestration projects). A better option might be to invest in Renewable Energy Certificates, or Green Tags, which are certified (and in some cases regulated) products that ensure that the investment is improving the environment and reducing carbon emissions.