Goal: Fully carbon neutral by 2025
Carbon neutrality remains one of the key objectives for the CFS and the University as a whole. The methods adopted have concentrated on three key areas, energy utilization substitution through solar panels, in-setting carbon through reforestation projects and use of distance/online learning platforms to raise awareness among the campus community on the carbon neutrality program.
During 2019, a full greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage inventory was undertaken so the institution now has baseline data by scope for emissions in addition to a total estimated figure of 3562.35 t CO2e. Baseline figures by scope have enabled specific strategies to target key areas to reduce emissions and play a vital role in achieving the university’s goal of reducing electricity consumption by 10% by 2025.
The full GHG inventory is available on our stats page (insert link to stats page)
Currently there are three university-run reforestation projects underway, 40.5 ha of tropical rainforest in Yagirala Forest Reserve, 400 ha of mixed evergreen dry zone forest in Waniyagamma and 1.05 ha of mangrove forest in Ittapana. These areas are being restored with native tree species and will serve as a carbon sink for the university in addition to supporting and enhancing biodiversity.
The formation of the Carbon management team is a targeted initiative to promote inter-departmental communication and strategy on departmental carbon reduction.