Abstract
This report explores the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment and reduction strategy for the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai (RITD) campus, aiming to contribute towards the UAE's "Net Zero 2050" initiative. The study establishes a comprehensive emissions baseline for the year 2023 using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), incorporating Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. A dashboard was developed to continuously monitor annual emissions, facilitating data-driven decisions for sustainability. The total GHG emissions for RITD were approximately 5,245,197.68 kg CO2e. The primary sources of emissions were identified as electricity consumption (39%) and commuting (53%), which together constitute the majority of the campus's carbon footprint. The report compares RITD's GHG emissions with those of other universities both regionally and globally, using two key metrics: per capita emissions and emissions per unit built-up area. The findings reveal that RIT Dubai has moderate per capita emission rates and emissions per built-up area, with 3,746.61 kg CO2e per community member and 46.56 kg CO2e per m², in comparison to other institutions which averages to 4,772 kg CO2e per community member and 55 kg CO2e per m². While these results indicate that the current initiatives are somewhat effective, there is still considerable room for improvement to achieve net-zero emissions. Current sustainability initiatives at RITD, such as in-house wastewater treatment and waste management programs, are evaluated. A comprehensive emission reduction strategy is proposed, which is projected to reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030 (interim target). These efforts can significantly reduce emissions, however, to reach net-zero, it is required to purchase offsets for emissions that are difficult to eliminate. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed strategies and the continuous advancement of RITD’s commitment to sustainability.
Publication Date
6-6-2024
Document Type
Master's Project
Student Type
Graduate
Degree Name
Engineering Management (ME)
Advisor
Ghalib Y. Kahwaj
Recommended Citation
Ali, Sarah, "Towards a Net Zero University Campus" (2024). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
https://repository.rit.edu/theses/12196
Campus
RIT Dubai
