Carbon Neutrality

Principia College has been sourcing 100% renewable electric energy since 2009, and each year we are recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a 100% Green Power Partner. Our energy contracts were initially for a mix of solar and wind, but more recently are 100% wind. Largely as a result of this commitment, but also because of systemic efficiencies, the carbon footprint of campus residents is 1/4 the national average. Students are active in building energy audits, mapping the electric grid, evaluating the potential for on-site solar arrays, and encouraging their peers to be energy-wise.

"Carbon footprint" refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds (greenhouse gases) emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels. Campus energy use has been statistically flat since 2005, but emissions declined 76.5% during the same period as a result of our 2009 onward commitment to sourcing 100% renewable electric power. Total GHG emissions in 2019 were 3,244 MT eCO2, or about 4 MT eCO2 per capita, 1/4 the national average. Landfill waste has been steadily declining since 2007, reducing our methane contribution. Natural gas is our largest (72.8%) emissions contributor, followed by Faculty/ Staff Commuting (13%) and Direct Transportation (campus fleet, 9.7%).

Carbon neutrality is mission-driven at Principia, and student-led research shows that the 2000-acre Principia Forest sequesters about 133% of the college's annual eCO2 emissions. Our forest is aging, however, and invasive species are eroding the trees' ability to sequester sufficient carbon to fully offset of our energy use. The data suggest that by 2026 or 2027, our greenhouse gas emissions will outpace our natural carbon sequestration engines. We are actively engaged in the development of a comprehensive Energy Management Plan to help us achieve and maintain carbon neutral status.

Principia strives to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by maximizing energy efficiency. In the dormitories, students are encouraged to turn off lights when leaving a room and to plug electronics into a smart power strip. High-efficiency boilers are computer controlled, LED lighting and Energy Star appliances are the norm, and motion sensors are increasingly common. Students power cellphones with sunshine while studying or enjoying a meal on the Pub Patio, where solar-powered USB charging umbrellas are available during warmer months.

Inspired by the Ameren Illinois Large Facility Retrocommissioning (RCx) Incentive, our first RCx study (2019-20) focused on the Coach Crafton Athletic Center. RCx is a systematic process for identifying and implementing improvements that optimize the performance of building subsystems, both individually and as an integrated whole. The study identified several measures to reduce the facility’s electrical and natural gas consumption, with significant short-and long-term financial savings. The RCx also resulted in a deeper understanding of building systems and a heightened awareness of opportunities to replace end-of-life equipment with smaller, more efficient models.

"You can't manage what you don't measure". Energy data collection and analysis is critical to efficiency and lowered emissions. Our interdepartmental Strategic Energy Management (SEM) team has met monthly since May 2018, with an aim to achieve continuous improvement toward energy efficiency through the establishment of effective energy management practices and processes. SEM benefits the college by reducing cost, engaging the campus community, and changing the culture to one of greater personal responsibility regarding energy use - and benefits the environment by conserving fuel resources and reducing emissions.

Principia College is a walking campus. Students bike, long board, and scooter between classes; bike and longboard racks are a feature of nearly every campus building. Our utility fleet includes e-vehicles and golf carts, hybrid sedans, and Ford transit vans with high efficiency EcoBoost® engines. Facilities estimates that 10% of their on-campus travel is powered by 100% renewable wind energy. Level 1 (120 V) charging stations are installed in the parking lot behind the Science Center; there is no fee for their use, whether by fleet or private vehicles. Level 2 chargers are under consideration.