Toward a carbon neutral campus: a scalable approach to estimate carbon storage and biosequestration, an example from University of Michigan

Abstract

Purpose The University of Michigan (U-M) is planning its course toward carbon neutrality. A key component in U-M carbon accounting is the calculation of carbon sinks via estimation of carbon storage and biosequestration on U-M landholdings. Here, this paper aims to compare multiple remote sensing methods across U-M natural lands and urban campuses to determine the accurate and efficient protocol for land assessment and ecosystem service valuation that other institutions may scale as relevant. Design/methodology/approach This paper tested three remote sensing methods to determine land use and land cover (LULC), namely, unsupervised classification, supervised classification and supervised classification incorporating delineated wetlands. Using confusion matrices, this paper tested remote sensing approaches to ground-truthed data, the paper obtained via field-based vegetation surveys across a subset of U-M landholdings. Findings In natural areas, supervised classification incorporating delineated wetlands was the most accurate and efficient approach. In urban settings, maps incorporating institutional knowledge and campus tree surveys better estimated LULC. Using LULC and literature-based carbon data, this paper estimated that U-M lands store 1.37–3.68 million metric tons of carbon and sequester 45,000–86,000 Mt CO2e/yr, valued at $2.2m–$4.3m annually ($50/metric ton, social cost of carbon). Originality/value This paper compared methods to identify an efficient and accurate remote sensing methodology to identify LULC and estimate carbon storage, biosequestration rates and economic values of ecosystem services provided.

Trends in research: carbon footprint reduction in universities as a way to achieve a green campus

“…transport, energy, etc. ); and (2) initiatives that can indirectly reduce carbon emissions through the protection and expansion of carbon sinks on institutional properties (Tonietto et al, 2021). Lee and Lee (2021) reinforce that the calculation of the CF can increase the carbon neutrality initiatives of universities, such as practices to improve sustainable waste management.…”

“…transport, energy, etc. ); and (2) initiatives that can indirectly reduce carbon emissions through the protection and expansion of carbon sinks on institutional properties (Tonietto et al , 2021). …”

Simulation of Spatial Service Range and Value of Carbon Sink Based on Intelligent Urban Ecosystem Management System and Net Present Value Models—An Example from the Qinling Mountains

“…At present, most of the research related to carbon neutrality at home and abroad focus on new technologies and energy transition, for example, the improvement of cryogenic energy storage technology needed in the process of carbon neutralization in the refrigeration and power supply industry [53], the development of biofuel production technology in the European Union [54], the carbon-neutral transformation planning study of the power system in New York [55], the evaluation study of the carbon neutral potential of CO 2 removal in Europe [56], the realization method study of a carbon neutral campus [57], and the carbon-neutral and livable health and urban transportation planning path [58]. Most research in China is also focused on carbon-neutral technologies and energy transition [59].…”

Problem-Based Learning and Mind Mapping: Boosting Creativity in Architecture Education

“…Additionally, there may be financial constraints and limitations in the availability of sustainable materials and technologies. Barriers to and Opportunities for Promoting Sustainability in Higher Education When it comes to promoting sustainability in higher education, there are both barriers and opportunities (Tonietto et al, 2021). Barriers include a lack of awareness and understanding of sustainability concepts among faculty and students, limited resources for incorporating sustainability into curriculum and research, and Opportunities, on the other hand, include the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships with industry and community organizations, the availability of funding and grants forsustainability initiatives, and the growing demand for graduates with sustainability knowledge and skills (Terlević et al, 2015).…”