The University of Georgia Costa Rica 2014-2015 Sustainability Report UGA Costa Rica 2014 - 2015 Sustainability Report | Page 20

Carbon Neutrality
UGACR’s 2014 Carbon Emissions

78+8+4321

GOAL: Complete a thorough carbon footprint
analysis for the UGA Costa Rica campus by 2011.
based on this analysis, develop a strategic plan
to achieve carbon neutrality.
Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted
through human activities. Though naturally present in
the atmosphere, human activities have significantly
altered the Earth’s carbon cycle. The impacts of
increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations
on the Earth’s climate are well documented and
include increasing global temperatures, changing
precipitation patterns, and increasing storm intensity.
Recognizing its obligation to the international
community, in response to these projected threats
from climate change, Costa Rica has set the goal of
being carbon neutral by 2021. In 2010, UGA Costa Rica
set a goal to achieve carbon neutral operations by
2015.
The campus has implemented a host of methods
aimed at reducing carbon emissions, including:

4.40%

3.50%
2.70%
1.60%
0.30%
0.30%

78.10%

Purchased Electricity

Air Transportation

Waste Treatment: Water

Campus Vehicle Fuel - Diesel

Campus Vehicle Fleet Fuel- Gasoline

Campus Farm Fleet Fuel - Gasoline

Ground Transportation

Waste Treatment: Landfill

Limiting air conditioning to only 3 rooms on
campus and using efficient conditioning units.

Purchasing local goods to reduce transport
emissions.

Exclusively purchasing LED light bulbs.

Supporting businesses that reflect sustainable
principles

ENERGY STAR rated appliances in the Ecolodge
and faculty residences.
Heating water with solar panels versus
propane.
Planting trees to offset travel emissions.
Using anaerobic digestors for waste water
treatment and burning the captured methane.
Composting organic waste, reusing, and