Near-Term Decarbonization Plan

Summary

Throughout 2019, Vassar collaborated with Ecosystem to develop possible pathways to sharply reduce Vassar’s environmental footprint. The Near-Term Decarbonization Plan described here combines high-impact asset renewal, energy efficiency upgrades, and decarbonization of purchased utilities. Under this scenario, Vassar can reduce its total carbon footprint to approximately 6,850 tons per year for a $10 - $12.6 million capital investment with a projected net annual operating cost savings of approximately $900,000.

Near-Term Decarbonization Plan Components

While additional efforts are required to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions, the projects and initiatives bundled into the Partial Decarbonization scenario provide an excellent foundation for future efforts.

Under this scenario, two central boilers are updated and retrofitted to accept biofuel as a feedstock, for a 4,350 ton per year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This conversion coupled with additional energy saving measures allows Vassar to reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 7,650 tons per year relative to its 2018 greenhouse gas emission totals. This would carry a total estimated capital cost between $10 and $12.6 million, pending availability of incentives and grant support for eligible costs.

This scenario provides annual savings of approximately $900,000 through asset renewal of inefficient and outdated equipment and reduced utility costs. Though it will take three years to complete the upgrades and retrofits proposed, Vassar should see approximately half of the annual savings by the Fall 2020 heating season, with the remainder phased in through Summer 2022.

As Vassar revisits its utility contracts in 2020, there is an opportunity to purchase exclusively renewable electricity for an immediate and cost-effective reduction in our carbon footprint. Decarbonizing our electricity fully allows for a reduction of an additional 2,550 tons per year compared to 2018 levels.