On April 22, 2009 GW announced the results of it s University-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory. W thereby became the first in D.C. to catalog its emissions as a part of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment that the University signed in 2008.
GW completed its greenhouse gas emissions inventory using the Clean Air-Cool Planet Campus Carbon Calculator, a tool used by more than 500 schools in North America. The University’s inventory surveyed energy usage, transportation, waste water, and solid waste data, among other metrics, from the Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon and Virginia campuses and in leased facilities for Fiscal Year 2008. This information established the baseline for which to evaluate the University's carbon footprint and measure progress on emissions reductions annually. The inventory results showed that the most significant portion (52%) of the University's emissions is from purchased electricity.
Details of GW’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory can be seen online at: http://www.sustainability.gwu.edu/ghg_inventory.html
GW was the first university in D.C. to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment last year and will prepare a carbon neutrality plan by spring 2010. Progress reports by GW and the more than 600 signatories can be seen online at: http://acupcc.aashe.org