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As a world-renowned academic institution committed to providing students with a global perspective, travel is integral to fulfilling Vassar’s mission. The greenhouse gas emissions from travel, by extension, will remain a significant and hard-to-reduce component of the College’s carbon footprint – as much as 50% of the annual carbon footprint by 2023.
Sharp reductions in total travel may not be compatible with the programmatic needs of the College. Still, there are other ways for Vassar to address this source of emissions and emissions resulting from its fleet and staff/faculty commuting. Opportunities for remote work and scholarship can reduce emissions from no longer necessary travel. More sustainable alternatives to flying can be identified for shorter trip. And support for electric vehicle charging can accelerate the electrification of the campus fleet – while also providing a valuable resource for commuters.
The Environmental Defense Fund Fellow assigned to Vassar over the summer of 2020 focused much of her time on identifying ways that Vassar can decrease its travel, fleet, and commuting emissions. Her work and her recommendations are reflected throughout this section.
TFC-A: Campus Travel Emissions Reduction
TFC-A: Campus Travel Emissions Reduction
Reduce campus travel emissions through behavioral and offsetting efforts by at least 50% relative to 2018 baseline
5-Year Goal:
Reduce campus travel emissions through behavioral and offsetting efforts by at least 50% relative to 2018 baseline
UN SDGs Supported:
7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
10 – Reduced Inequalities
15 – Life on Land
Background:
By 2022, approximately half of Vassar’s total carbon footprint will come from sponsored campus travel and Junior Year Abroad. Given Vassar’s programmatic needs and institutional profile, air travel will almost certainly remain an ongoing source of emissions for the foreseeable future.
Participating in online professional development events and increasing the use of Zoom or similar platforms can reduce some of Vassar’s need for travel. Migrating the travel mode from flying to other more sustainable options, especially for short-distance trips, can also work toward this Goal. However, Vassar will need to offset any remaining emissions.
Analysis:
Vassar is a college with a global reach, and travel has been essential to fulfill Vassar’s mission. While behavior change efforts can make some impact, total emissions from travel will remain hard to reduce to zero in the near term without external carbon offsets. In addition to seeking certification for on-campus carbon sequestration at the Vassar Farm & Ecological Preserve as proposed in Action Step LS-01, the Climate Action & Sustainability Committee should remain engaged in decisions related to a long-term carbon offsetting strategy.
TFC-B: Campus Fleet Emissions Reduction
TFC-B: Campus Fleet Emissions Reduction
Reduce net campus fleet emissions by at least 20% relative to a 2018 baseline
5-Year Goal:
Reduce net campus fleet emissions by at least 20% relative to a 2018 baseline
UN SDGs Supported:
7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Background:
The extensive use of combustion-based vehicles and equipment accounts for approximately 5% of Vassar’s carbon footprint. The most straightforward way to decrease fleet emissions is to migrate to electric vehicles; however, other solutions such as increasing biodiesel use in campus vehicles and equipment may help Vassar reach this target.
Analysis:
This Goal is somewhat contingent on technology continuing to advance in a way that matches Vassar’s operational needs. The Office of Sustainability will help impacted departments identify possible alternatives that prove compatible with unit needs and are not cost-prohibitive.
TFC-C: Sustainable Commuting Expansion
TFC-C: Sustainable Commuting Expansion
Increase share of Vassar faculty, staff, and administrators choosing sustainable commuting methods (i.e., not single-occupancy combustion-based vehicle) to at least 50%
5-Year Goal:
Increase share of Vassar faculty, staff, and administrators choosing sustainable commuting methods (i.e., not single-occupancy combustion-based vehicle) to at least 50%
UN SDGs Supported:
7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Background:
As of February 2020, roughly 60% of Vassar’s faculty, staff, and administrators commuted to campus via single-occupancy vehicles at least three days per week. With emerging opportunities for individuals to work from home and increased support for sustainable commuting methods for individuals who come into the campus, Vassar can drastically reduce its commuting footprint without substantial cost.
Analysis:
For many employees, transitioning to more sustainable transit methods comes with a level of decreased flexibility and convenience. Offering options and support to ameliorate these tradeoffs are necessary to reach this Goal.
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