A Comprehensive Carbon Footprint Assessment Using Integration of GHG Protocol and LCA: A Case Study of an Engineering Institute in India

Abstract

The concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) released in the atmosphere has increased to an extent that it is posing significant threats to global environment, economy, and society. It's, therefore, crucial for organizations, including academic institutions, to contribute to mitigation efforts ensuring transparency in sustainability efforts. In the present study, the carbon footprint (CF) of an engineering institute in India has been assessed using the GHG Protocol developed by World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. OpenLCA 2.0 software, and Ecoinvent v 3.9.1 database have been used for comprehensive analysis of environmental impacts across various products, processes, or systems. The study found that the Institute's CF was 11,254.08 metric tons of 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 2 -equivalent during the fiscal year 2022-23 (from April 2022 to March 2023) accounting for 2.24 𝑡𝑡𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 2 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 per student. The CF in Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 accounting for 0.83%, 87.00% and 12.17% respectively. The indirect emissions resulting from electricity consumption (Scope 2) accounted for the highest contribution of 9,791.16 𝑡𝑡𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 2 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 of all the emissions associated with Institute activities. Scope wise comparison of Institute's carbon footprint with other academic institutions has also been presented. The findings emphasized on efforts to reduce the CF of the Institute by increasing green energy supply, teleconferencing and other AI tools to reduce visitors' transportation carbon emissions.