Greenhouse Gas Inventory

UNCW's institutional profile from 2020-2022 indicates the number of students, employees, and building square footage.

Scope 1 emissions sources are owned and controlled by UNCW.

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions associated with purchasing electricity, heat, steam, or cooling.

Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions. Scope 3 includes emissions from upstream and downstream activities of assets not owned or controlled by UNCW.

Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTeCO2) from natural gas increased over time. This is likely due to the transition back to on-campus activities after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the university's growth. Generator fuel and direct transportation emissions MT eCO2 decreased gradually over the three fiscal years

Emissions from purchased electricity increased over FY 2020-2022. This is likely due to the university's growth over the three fiscal years. Sandpiper and Pelican Halls opened in FY 2021. Veterans Hall also opened in FY 2021. Loggerhead and Terrapin Halls opened in FY 2022.

Emissions from student commuting peaked in FY 2021 and trended downward in FY 2022. Emissions from faculty commuting increased gradually over FY 2020-2022. Air travel emissions decreased in FY 2020 and were lowest in FY 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Air travel emissions increased again in FY 2022. Emissions from Fuel- and Energy-Related Activities (FERA) and Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Losses are associated with energy consumption and increased gradually over FY 2020-2022. Supply chain emissions are the largest contributor to Scope 3.

Please note: FY 2020-2022 supply chain data were extrapolated from previous years.

UNCW owns Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve, 174.39 acres of protected woods and wetlands in Brunswick County. Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve is a 10-acre forest located in the center of UNCW's campus. Together, these preserves sequester around 173 metric tons of carbon annually.

There has been a gradual overall decrease in emissions over the past 10 years despite the university's growth. The drastic decreases in emissions for FY 2020-2021 reflect changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in FY 2022 reflects the full return to on-campus activities after the peak of COVID-19.