A hybrid approach to a more complete emissions inventory: a case study of Aarhus University

IF 2.8 4区环境科学与生态学 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Carbon Management Pub Date : 2023-10-31 DOI:10.1080/17583004.2023.2275579

Thomas Stridsland, Andreas Stounbjerg, Hans Sanderson

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Abstract There has been a notable absence of procurement emissions in university GHG inventories, which act to inform universities of possible decarbonization pathways only partially. Guided by a methodological trade-offs consensus document presented by a consortium of Danish universities, this study estimates the 2021 emissions of Aarhus University, including procurement. Utilizing a hybrid approach of process- and spend-based methods the results contribute to a trend of hybrid university assessments. Procurement-related emissions (39,692 tCO2e) were estimated using accounting data and EXIOBASE, a multi-regional environmentally extended input-output (MREEIO) model, with all other emissions estimated using physical data and governmental sources (20,273 tCO2e). EXIOBASE draws on a combination of consequential and attributional life cycle assessment, therefore the results are reported separately to maintain the distinctions between methodologies. The accounting data is not optimally matched with EXIOBASE’s categories, yet the comprehensive nature of the method increased the university’s awareness of procurement emissions and presented initial decarbonization routes, along with recommendations for better data quality. Further research is necessary to enable informed decisions towards decarbonization and to allow seamless incorporation of supplier-specific emissions data, which requires greater interdepartmental collaboration to elevate data resolution, and a data ontology that preserves both supplier transparency and proprietary information.

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来源期刊

Carbon Management ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES-

CiteScore

5.80

自引率

3.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： Carbon Management is a scholarly peer-reviewed forum for insights from the diverse array of disciplines that enhance our understanding of carbon dioxide and other GHG interactions – from biology, ecology, chemistry and engineering to law, policy, economics and sociology. The core aim of Carbon Management is it to examine the options and mechanisms for mitigating the causes and impacts of climate change, which includes mechanisms for reducing emissions and enhancing the removal of GHGs from the atmosphere, as well as metrics used to measure performance of options and mechanisms resulting from international treaties, domestic policies, local regulations, environmental markets, technologies, industrial efforts and consumer choices. One key aim of the journal is to catalyse intellectual debate in an inclusive and scientific manner on the practical work of policy implementation related to the long-term effort of managing our global GHG emissions and impacts. Decisions made in the near future will have profound impacts on the global climate and biosphere. Carbon Management delivers research findings in an accessible format to inform decisions in the fields of research, education, management and environmental policy.