Evaluating progress on the University of Pittsburgh’s climate action plan through robust GHG inventory data on building emissions

Purpose Universities have a unique position to lead in implementing climate action, and many universities have already risen to the challenge by declaring carbon neutrality targets within the next three decades (Barron et al., 2021). The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) completed its first greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory in 2010 and has since published nine inventories and a climate action plan (CAP). This study aims to show how long-term GHG inventories can help inform an initial CAP and then be used to track progress in one of higher education’s largest GHG emissions categories: buildings. Design/methodology/approach The study investigated historical data on building energy emissions across nine Pitt GHG inventories and summarized trends and major influences. The study then calculated carbon footprints for 87 buildings and set individual goals, with yearly targets for each building based on the building emission reduction goal defined in the PittCAP. Findings Switching steam and electricity generation sources away from coal to cleaner-burning sources like natural gas and nuclear was the leading factor in reducing GHG emissions from buildings. In addition, electricity demand decreased 11% over the last 15 years; steam demand increased 32%. At the disaggregated building scale, 21 buildings have already reached their PittCAP emissions goal, 28 are on track or ahead of schedule and 38 are not on track. Originality/value This study presents a framework that other universities can use to evaluate progress on their own CAP and shows how researchers can help guide universities in sustainability decision-making.