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StAndrewsForest_Investigation.pdfExecutive Summary
Following the ideas introduced in a proposal to offset unavoidable emissions, Mission Offset, this paper has investigated the student-endorsed idea of a St Andrews Forest in the context of carbon offsetting. A Forum held by the Student and Community Working Group recognised that the international nature of our recruitment model results in a significant travel profile and carbon footprint. Thus, this paper attempts to provide a sustainable solution to combatting these emissions.
The emissions are currently estimated 5,000-15,000 tCO2e and further work is required to more accurately quantify this. But, this figure alone indicates the sheer size necessary to offset the unavoidable. In order to tackle this, this paper has identified key workstreams required in creating a St Andrews Forest as a means of successfully offsetting the carbon from this necessary travel. Each workstream concludes with steps to moving forward, none of which can be addressed until a permanent taskforce is compiled.
Based on the above estimate, the preliminary stage the project, and the route St Andrews would take in developing the project, an initial forest of 50 square miles would be necessary, standing at an initial cost upwards of a couple million pounds.
The St Andrews Forest is likely to comprise multiple sites and provide a valuable learning and outreach resource as part of our reconnection with nature through the work of the ESB and our University Sustainability Strategy.
Finally, it should also be noted there is no formal requirement for us to measure or offset this carbon, we are doing it simply because we believe it is right and responsible for us to do.
Purpose
The University’s annual carbon footprint has been assessed as approximately 60,000 tCO2e (academic year 2018-2019), which excludes student travel at the start and end of terms.
Inclusion of this carbon in our footprint could increase the University annual emissions by 40% (10-20,000 tCO2e - further work is required to calculated exact impact)
Owing to the international nature of our recruitment model this paper proposes it would be appropriate to include this in our footprint as part of a credible net zero target.
Advantages of a Forest
Carbon offsetting projects are array, from biogas replacements in developing countries, to peat bog restoration. Afforestation has been chosen after market research, feedback from students, and consultation with members of the Environmental Sustainability Board.
Tangibility: carbon offsetting projects are more likely to be successful if contributing individuals are first-hand involved in them. An example of this at a university level is Lancaster University.
Control over maintenance and associated finances: we have the minds and expertise, why not use that directly?
Room for growth: not just to accommodate figures of the University's development plan, but to also link it to the Sustainable Development Goals (often led in conjecture with such projects).
Leading form of carbon offsetting in the UK: the University can develop an already established field. Likewise, project partners already exist.
Workstreams
Each workstream explored an aspect of development in the Project, its associated issues, how to tackle them, and targets for moving forward. Please note that the video on the Home Page condensed these workstreams into three key channels for ease of explanation.
Finance and Carbon Accounting
The project addresses issues of who is financing it, as well as how to regulate these offsets in a market that is little supported.
Verification
The University will be faced with many choices for verification, from existing project developers, to independent certification.
Suitable Land
The proposal explores land area, from local farms, to brownfield redevelopment further afield.
Potential Project Partners
This section explored the potential to link with existing projects, the Scottish government, Fife Council, other universities, local businesses and community groups, as well as student societies and clubs.
Academic Potential
Explored with Dr William Austin, this workstream addressed potential modules students could be involved in that could satisfy a bottom-up, student-led approach to the Forest.
Community and Student Engagement
Looked at ways students and the local community could be explored beyond an academic capacity. Likewise, it examined scenarios of lack of engagement.
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