Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the correlations between greenhouse gas (GHG) by CO2eq emissions and the use of electricity on the Praia Vermelha campus of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) located in Brazil. The study favors understanding and management for the sustainability of the campus operations. The research used electricity consumption data from 2017 to 2019 and quantitative and qualitative data collected in 2020, through online research applied at Praia Vermelha campus. An exploratory and descriptive study, providing familiarity with the problem and deepening knowledge about the phenomenon, seeking a correlation between variables and proposing reflections. We observed a reduction in electricity consumption on the campus in the period surveyed from 2017 to 2019, however, there wasn’t proportional and significant reduction CO2eq emissions in the period between 2018 until 2019. During this period occurred fluctuations in the dispatches of the different power generating plants, considering renewables and fossils sources. We also found that most of survey respondents agree with to implementation of incentive programs and the dissemination of information about GHG emissions on campus to promote the engagement of the academic environment in the efficient use of electricity. We found few peer-reviewed studies dealing with GHG emissions generated in South American universities. Through a bibliographic review, we investigated the commitment of the universities to sustainability and the management of efficient use of electric energy, as well as the methodology for calculating indirect GHG emissions, in CO2eq, related to purchase energy from the System National Interconnected System (SIN) of Brazil.
Funding source: UFF Permanent Sustainability Commission
Funding source: National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)
Award Identifier / Grant number: 430119/2016-0
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank to the UFF Permanent Sustainability Commission and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) – Number: 430119/2016-0.
-
Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
-
Research funding: The study was supported by the UFF Permanent Sustainability Commission and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) – Number: 430119/2016-0.
-
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.
References
1. MMA – Ministry of Environment. 21a Conferencia das Nações Unidas sobre as Mudanças Climáticas de 2015 (COP21) da UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change); 2019. Available from: http://www.mma.gov.br/clima/convencao-das-nacoes-unidas/acordo-de-paris [Accessed 07 May 2019].Search in Google Scholar
2. MMA – Ministry of Environment. Fundamentos da contribuição brasileira no COP21; 2018. Available from: http://www.mma.gov.br/clima/convencao-das-nacoes-unidas/acordo-de-paris/item/10710 [Accessed 07 May 2018].Search in Google Scholar
3. Wright, T, Horst, N. Exploring the ambiguity: what faculty leaders really think of sustainability in higher education. Int J Sustain High Educ 2013;14:209–27. https://doi.org/10.1108/14676371311312905.Search in Google Scholar
4. UNESCO. The UN decade of education for sustainable development (DESD 2005‐2014): the first two years. Paris: UNESCO; 2007.Search in Google Scholar
5. IPCC. Summary for policymakers. In: Solomon, S, Qin, D, Manning, M, Marquis, M, Averyt, K, Tignor, MMB, et al.., editors. Climate change 2007: the physical science basis. Contribution of working group I to the fourth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press; 2007.Search in Google Scholar
6. Robinson, O, Kemp, S, Williams, I. Carbon management at universities: a reality check. J Clean Prod 2015;106:109–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.06.095.Search in Google Scholar
7. Stephens, JC, Graham, AC. Toward an empirical research agenda for sustainability in higher education: exploring the transition management framework. J Clean Prod 2010;18:611–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.07.009.Search in Google Scholar
8. Chakraborty, D, Roy, J. Energy and carbon footprint: numbers matter in low energy and low carbon choices. Curr Opin Environ Sustain 2013;5:237–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2013.04.001.Search in Google Scholar
9. Minx, JC, Wiedmann, T, Wood, R, Peters, GP, Lenzen, M, Owen, A, et al.. Input – output analysis and carbon footprinting: an overview of applications. Econ Syst Res 2009;21:187–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/09535310903541298.Search in Google Scholar
10. Scipioni, A, Manzardo, A, Mazzi, A, Mastrobuono, M. Monitoring the carbon footprint of products: a methodological proposal. J Clean Prod 2012;36:94–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.04.021.Search in Google Scholar
11. Scholtz, B, Calitz, A, Haupt, R. A business intelligence framework for sustainability information management in higher education. Int J Sustain High Educ 2018;19:266–90. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-06-2016-0118.Search in Google Scholar
12. Barber, M, Donnelly, K, Rizvi, S. An avalanche is coming: higher education and the revolution ahead. London: Institute for Public Policy Research; 2013.10.17323/1814-9545-2013-3-152-229Search in Google Scholar
13. Sedlacek, S. The role of universities in fostering sustainable development at the regional level. J Clean Prod 2013;48:74–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.01.029.Search in Google Scholar
14. Meyer, JW, Schofer, E. The university in Europe and the World: twentieth century expansion. In: Towards a multiversity? Universities between global trends and national traditions (Transcript, Bielefeld). Wetzlar: Majuskel Medienproduktion GmbH; 2007.10.1515/9783839404683-003Search in Google Scholar
15. Robinson, OJ, Tewkesbury, A, Kemp, S, Williams, ID. Towards a universal carbon footprint standard: a case study of carbon management at universities. J Clean Prod 2018;172:4435–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.02.147.Search in Google Scholar
16. Townsend, J, Barrett, J. Exploring the applications of carbon footprinting towards sustainability at a UK university: reporting and decision-making. J Clean Prod 2015;107:164–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.004.Search in Google Scholar
17. Altbach, PG, Reisberg, L, Rumbley, LE. 2009. Trends in global higher education: tracking an academic revolution. In: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) workshop Q9 2009 world conference on higher education, Paris; 2009.10.1163/9789004406155Search in Google Scholar
18. INEP – Instituto Nacional De Estudos, E Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira. Educação Superior; 2019. Available from: http://portal.inep.gov.br/web/guest/censo-da-educacao-superior [Accessed 22 Jun 2019].Search in Google Scholar
19. Dangelico, RM, Pujari, D. Mainstreaming green product Innovation: why and how companies integrate environmental sustainability. J Bus Ethics 2010;95:471–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0434-0.Search in Google Scholar
20. Epstein, M, Roy, M. Making the business case for sustainability: linking social and environmental actions to financial performance. J Corp Citizen 2003;1:79–96.10.9774/GLEAF.4700.2003.sp.00009Search in Google Scholar
21. Lozano, R, Huisingh, D. Inter-linking issues and dimensions in sustainability reporting. J Clean Prod 2011;19:99–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.01.004.Search in Google Scholar
22. Lozano, R. Incorporation and institutionalization of SD into universities: breaking through barriers to change. J Clean Prod 2006;14:787–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.12.010.Search in Google Scholar
23. Savageau, AE. Lets get personal: making sustainability tangible to students. Int J Sustain High Educ 2013;14:15–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/14676371311288921.Search in Google Scholar
24. Cronin, JJ, Smith, JS, Gleim, MR, Ramirez, E, Martinez, JD. Green marketing strategies: an examination of stakeholders and the opportunities they present. J Acad Market Sci 2011;39:158–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-010-0227-0.Search in Google Scholar
25. Etzkowitz, H. The norms of entrepreneurial science: cognitive effects of the new university–industry linkages. Res Pol 1998;27:823–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(98)00093-6.Search in Google Scholar
26. Lozano, R, Lozano, FJ, Mulder, K, Huising, D, Wass, T. Advancing higher education for sustainable development: international insights and critical reflections. J Clean Prod 2013;48:3–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.03.034.Search in Google Scholar
27. Flint, K. Institutional ecological footprint analysis – a case study of the University of Newcastle, Australia. Int J Sustain High Educ 2001;2:48–62. https://doi.org/10.1108/1467630110380299.Search in Google Scholar
28. Scholtz, B, Calitz, A, Haupt, R. A business intelligence framework for sustainability information management in higher education. Int J Sustain High Educ 2018;19:266–90. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-06-2016-0118.Search in Google Scholar
29. Lenzen, M. Errors in conventional and input-output based life-cycle inventories. J Ind Ecol 2001;4:127–48. https://doi.org/10.1162/10881980052541981.Search in Google Scholar
30. Ang, BW. Is the energy intensity a less useful indicator than the carbon factor in the study of climate change? Energy Pol 1999;27:943–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-4215(99)00084-1.Search in Google Scholar
31. Soytas, U, Sari, R, Ewing, BT. Energy consumption, income, and carbon emissions in the United States. Ecol Econ 2007;62:482–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2006.07.009.Search in Google Scholar
32. Acre, I. The rise of the gadgets. IEEE Secur Priv 2003;1:78–81. https://doi.org/10.1109/MSECP.2003.1236241.Search in Google Scholar
33. Sadorsky, P. Information communication technology and electricity consumption in emerging economies. Energy Pol 2012;48:130–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2012.04.064.Search in Google Scholar
34. ONS – Operador Nacional Do Sistema Elétrico. Histórico da Operação; 2019. Available from: www.ons.org.br [Accessed 21 Jun 2019].Search in Google Scholar
35. Ministry of Economy. Painel de Custeio Administrativo – começar a Análise de Custeio; 2019. Available from: https://paineldecusteio.planejamento.gov.br/ [Accessed 22 Jun 2019].Search in Google Scholar
36. Larsen, HN, Pettersen, J, Solli, C, Hertwich, EG. Investigating the carbon footprint of a university: the case of NTNU. J Clean Prod 2013;48:39–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.10.007.Search in Google Scholar
37. Klein-Banai, C, Theis, TL. Quantitative analysis of factors affecting greenhouse gas emissions at institutions of higher education. J Clean Prod 2013;48:29–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.06.004.Search in Google Scholar
38. Disterheftab, A, da Silva Caeiro, SSF, Ramos, MR, de Miranda Azeiteiro, UM. Environmental management systems (EMS) implementation processes and practices in European higher education institutions – top-down versus participatory approaches. J Clean Prod 2012;31:80–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.02.034.Search in Google Scholar
39. Barth, M, Adomßent, M, Fischer, D, Richter, S, Rieckmann, M. Learning to change universities from within: a service-learning perspective on promoting sustainable consumption in higher education. J Clean Prod 2013;62:72–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.04.006.Search in Google Scholar
40. Williams, I, Kemp, S. The importance of education to carbon management. Carbon Manag 2013;4:107–9. https://doi.org/10.4155/cmt.13.5.Search in Google Scholar
41. Rogers, E. Diffusion of innovation, 4th ed. New York: Free Press; 1995.Search in Google Scholar
42. Van de Ven, AH, Polley, D, Garud, R, Venkatraman, S. The innovation journey. New York: Oxford University Press; 1999.Search in Google Scholar
43. Sweeney, D, William, TA, Anderson, DR. Estatística Aplicada à Administração e Economia, 6th ed. São Paulo – SP, Brazil: CENGAGE; 2017.Search in Google Scholar
44. Gray, DE. Pesquisa no Mundo Real, 2nd ed. Porto Alegre, Brazil: Penso; 2012.Search in Google Scholar
45. Dragomir, VD. The disclosure of industrial greenhouse gas emissions: a critical assessment of corporate sustainability reports. J Clean Prod 2012;29–30:222–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.01.024.Search in Google Scholar
46. Pelletier, N, Allacker, K, Pant, R, Manfredi, S. The European Commission Organisation environmental footprint method: comparison with other methods, and rationales for key requirements. Int J Life Cycle Assess 2013;19:387–404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-013-0609-x.Search in Google Scholar
47. Sundin, H, Ranganathan, J. Managing business greenhouse gas emissions: the greenhouse gas protocol – a strategic and operational tool. Corp Environ Strat 2002;9:137–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1066-7938(02)00004-0.Search in Google Scholar
48. Steemers, K, Yun, GY. Household energy consumption: a study of the role of occupants. Build Res Inf 2010;37:625–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210903186661.Search in Google Scholar
49. Langevin, J, Gurian, PL, Wen, J. Reducing energy consumption in low income public housing: interviewing residents about energy behaviors. Appl Energy 2013;102:1358–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.07.003.Search in Google Scholar
50. Li, X, Tan, H, Rackes, A. Carbon footprint analysis of student behavior for a sustainable university campus in China. J Clean Prod 2015;106:97–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.11.084.Search in Google Scholar
51. MCTIC – Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications. Fator Médio – Inventários Corporativos; 2018. Available from: http://www.mctic.gov.br/mctic/opencms/ciencia/SEPED/clima/textogeral/emissao_corporativos.html [Accessed 07 May 2018].Search in Google Scholar
52. MCTIC – Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications. Sistema de Registro Nacional de Emissões; 2019. Available from: http://www.mctic.gov.br/mctic/opencms/indicadores/detalhe/dados_setor_comunicacoes/SIRENE.html [Accessed 11 Feb 2019].Search in Google Scholar
53. IPCC – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Mitigation pathways compatible with 1.5 °C in the context of sustainable development – chapter 2 of special report; 2019. Available from: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ [Accessed 07 Jan 2019].Search in Google Scholar
54. IPCC – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Strengthening and implementing the global response – chapter 4 of special report; 2019. Available from: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ [Accessed 06 Jan 2019].Search in Google Scholar
55. WRI, WBCSD. The greenhouse gas protocol: corporate value chain (Scope 3) accounting and reporting standard. World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD); 2011. Available from: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/product-and-supply-chainstandard.Search in Google Scholar
56. FGV EAESP – Centro De Estudos Em Sustentabilidadea . O Programa Brasileiro GHG Protocol; 2010. Available from: https://www.ghgprotocolbrasil.com.br/ [Accessed 10 Nov 2018].Search in Google Scholar
57. FGV EAESP – Centro De Estudos Em Sustentabilidadeb . O Programa Brasileiro GHG Protocol; 2010. Available from: http://ghgprotocolbrasil.com.br/especificacoes-e-notas-tecnicas-do-programa-brasileiro-ghg-protocol/ [Accessed 10 Nov 2018].Search in Google Scholar
58. Sirene – Sistema De Registro Nacional De Emissões, Emissões; 2019. Available from: http://sirene.mctic.gov.br [Accessed 11 Feb 2019].Search in Google Scholar
59. Gibson, R. Should environmentalists pursue sustainable development? Probe Post 1991;13:22–5.Search in Google Scholar
60. Robinson, J. Squaring the circle? Some thoughts on the idea of sustainable development. Ecol Econ 2004;48:369–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2003.10.017.Search in Google Scholar
61. Waas, T, Hugé, J, Verbruggen, A, Wright, T. Sustainable development: a bird’s eye view. Sustainability 2011;3:1637–61. https://doi.org/10.3390/su3101637.Search in Google Scholar
© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Research Articles
- Green energy transaction assessment on individual customer based on power factor correction coefficient
- A rate-of-change-of-current based fault classification technique for thyristor-controlled series-compensated transmission lines
- A comparative analysis of the performance of centralized inverter and parallel inverter based hybrid microgrid system for distributed generation
- Optimal reconfiguration of balanced and unbalanced distribution systems using firefly algorithm
- Identification of the best topology of delta configured three phase induction generator for distributed generation through experimental investigations
- Detection of symmetrical fault and discrimination from power swing using MOPSVC approach
- Coordinated control and parameters optimization for PSS, POD and SVC to enhance the transient stability with the integration of DFIG based wind power systems
- Dual model representation of solar photovoltaic cell
- Performance analysis of adaptive smart controllers for islanded microgrid
- Novel models of power system components for implicit solution of the adjusted power flow problem
- Evaluation of relative performance of Indian states in PV resource utilization through MPI
- Correlation between electric energy use and CO2 emissions in a university campus in Brazil
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Research Articles
- Green energy transaction assessment on individual customer based on power factor correction coefficient
- A rate-of-change-of-current based fault classification technique for thyristor-controlled series-compensated transmission lines
- A comparative analysis of the performance of centralized inverter and parallel inverter based hybrid microgrid system for distributed generation
- Optimal reconfiguration of balanced and unbalanced distribution systems using firefly algorithm
- Identification of the best topology of delta configured three phase induction generator for distributed generation through experimental investigations
- Detection of symmetrical fault and discrimination from power swing using MOPSVC approach
- Coordinated control and parameters optimization for PSS, POD and SVC to enhance the transient stability with the integration of DFIG based wind power systems
- Dual model representation of solar photovoltaic cell
- Performance analysis of adaptive smart controllers for islanded microgrid
- Novel models of power system components for implicit solution of the adjusted power flow problem
- Evaluation of relative performance of Indian states in PV resource utilization through MPI
- Correlation between electric energy use and CO2 emissions in a university campus in Brazil