Reflecting the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality for the Pittsburgh campus by 2037 the results of Pitt’s Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for the Pittsburgh campus are summarized below, showcasing Pitt’s progress on GHG reductions and commitment to annual GHG inventories. 

The University’s eighth GHG Inventory tallies Pitt’s Pittsburgh campus FY22 GHG emissions as 173,006 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). These results are 36.7% below our 2008 baseline (and a 20% decrease from FY19, the last pre-pandemic-influenced GHG inventory year).   As both FY20 and FY21 were influenced in part and full by the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively, the increases shown in the FY22 GHG inventory compared to FY20 and FY21 were an expected post-pandemic rebound.

As Pitt actively works towards carbon neutrality by 2037 (with our incremental target of 50% reductions in GHG emissions below 2008 levels by 2030), key takeaways from the FY22 University of Pittsburgh GHG Inventory for the Pittsburgh campus include:

OVERALL – For FY22, 173,006 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents were associated with the University’s Pittsburgh campus, 36.7% below our FY08 baseline, and a 4.8% decrease from FY20 (though an expected slight rebound from FY21, which was most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic). 

SCOPE 1 EMISSIONS

• DIRECT TRANSPORTATION – Pitt’s FY22 GHG emissions from fleet transportation decreased 9% compared to FY21 and were 32% lower than FY19. This positive result is attributed in part to the addition of propane-powered shuttle buses, which helped decrease gasoline and biodiesel use.
• REFRIGERANTS –In FY22, Pitt used a total of 1,523 pounds of refrigerants, which translates to 1,450 MT CO2e (0.8% of total FY22 GHG emissions). While a 123% increase in emissions compared to FY21, refrigerant replacement is a category known to be highly variable.  In general, trends demonstrate the University’s shift away from more potent GWP refrigerants in preference of lower GWP refrigerants.
• STEAM – The second largest contribution to FY22 GHG emissions was from steam which went up 14.3% (5,971 MT CO2e) between FY19 and FY22; these results are for all University steam combined, which is used for heating and generated on-campus and purchased (Scope 1 and 2, respectively),

SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS

• Purchased electricity remains the largest contributor to Pitt’s overall GHG emissions (37.4% of all FY22 emissions). 
• However, for FY22, GHG emissions from purchased electricity were down 53% compared to FY08; these reductions are due to both the University’s renewable electricity procurement and a shift in the regional electricity generation mix to lower carbon sources (i.e., reductions in the percentage of electricity produced by coal, with coinciding increases in the share of electricity generated from nuclear, natural gas, and renewable sources).
• RENEWABLES – For FY22, 17.9% of Pitt’s annual electricity consumption was attributed to renewables, keeping the University on track to reach its renewable production and procurement goals of 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2037.
• ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION – Beyond GHG emissions, total campus-wide electricity usage in FY22 was 19% lower than FY19 and 10% lower than FY21 (a decrease of 19,433 MWh), attributable to a decrease in cooling degree days.

SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS

• The largest increase between FY21 to FY22 GHG emissions was from Scope 3 emissions, which increased 112% compared to the pandemic-influenced FY21. However, compared to FY19, Pitt’s Scope 3 GHG emissions are down 43%, which is significant. Regardless, this category was most affected by pandemic travel reductions and a shift to more flexible work for employees.
• COMMUTING – Reflecting a post-pandemic rebound, commuting was Pitt’s fourth largest GHG emissions contributor in FY22, with GHG emissions from commuting increasing 42% compared to FY21, but still 57% lower than FY19. This sustained reduction in commuting emissions post-pandemic reflects community mode shift changes including avoided commutes from flex work from home and an increase in active commuting.
• SPONSORED TRAVEL – University-sponsored travel (including Athletics and study abroad) experienced a 151% rebound compared to FY21 – an increase entirely expected and explained by the large categorical reduction resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• FOOD – Reflecting Pitt’s commitment to the Coolfood Pledge food-related GHG emissions were added to GHG inventory process in FY21; this category was up 80% in FY22, likely reflecting more on-campus catering as more events returned to campus post-pandemic.
• PAPER – Notably, GHG emissions from the Scope 3 Paper category maintained their overall downward trend, reflecting a 31% decrease since FY17.

The FY22 GHG Inventory demonstrates that the University’s Pittsburgh campus remains on track to meet its goal of 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 (below the 2008 baseline) and carbon neutrality by 2037.

In line with Pitt’s commitment to carbon neutrality for the Pittsburgh campus by 2037, Pitt GHG Inventories are completed annually — and the GHG inventory process has already started for the FY23 inventory.  The campus-wide process is guided by Dr. Melissa Bilec. 

The FY22 Pitt GHG Inventory was completed by Federica Geremicca (doctoral student in Civil and Environmental Engineering), with data provided from offices and departments across the University.  The reports serve as guidelines for the Chancellor’s Advisory Council on Sustainability, its Carbon Commitment Committee (which has already reviewed the results), and other committees, groups, and/or individuals working to reduce Pitt’s GHG emissions.