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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Carbon Pricing Approaches For Climate Decisions In U.S. Higher Education: Proxy Carbon Prices For Deep Decarbonization, Alexander R. Barron, Breanna J. Parker, Susan Stratton Sayre, Shana S. Weber, Dano Weisbord
Carbon Pricing Approaches For Climate Decisions In U.S. Higher Education: Proxy Carbon Prices For Deep Decarbonization, Alexander R. Barron, Breanna J. Parker, Susan Stratton Sayre, Shana S. Weber, Dano Weisbord
Environmental Science and Policy: Faculty Publications
Given the slow policy response by governments, climate leadership by other institutions has become an essential part of maintaining policy momentum, driving innovation, and fostering social dialogue. Despite growth in carbon pricing in government and the private sector, our review suggests low, but growing, adoption of internal carbon prices (ICPs) by higher education institutions (HEIs), who may be uniquely suited to implement and refine these tools. We analyze the range of ICP tools in use by eleven U.S. HEIs and discuss tradeoffs. Our analysis identifies several reasons why proxy carbon prices may be especially well-suited to decisions (especially at the …
What Does It Take To Reduce Massachusetts Emissions 50% By 2030? Challenges Meeting Climate Goals Under Current Legislation (S.2500), Lucy E. Metz, Alice I. Bell, Talia W. Deady, Alexander R. Barron
What Does It Take To Reduce Massachusetts Emissions 50% By 2030? Challenges Meeting Climate Goals Under Current Legislation (S.2500), Lucy E. Metz, Alice I. Bell, Talia W. Deady, Alexander R. Barron
Environmental Science and Policy: Faculty Publications
Executive Summary: To do its part in the global fight against climate change, Massachusetts must achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, and aggressive intermediate goals are essential to ensure that the state is on track for net zero. Senate bill 2500, “An Act setting next generation climate policy,” stipulates that 2030 emissions must “not be less than 50% below the 1990 emissions level.” In 2017, Massachusetts carbon dioxide emissions were 22% below 1990 levels, so the state will need to reduce annual emissions by an additional 28% of 1990 levels by 2030. If enacted, S.2500 would give the …
Exploring Embodied Carbon Within Smith College Construction: Utilizing The New Neilson Library As A Case Study, Larissa Holland, Rebecca Miller, Lydia Sheyda
Exploring Embodied Carbon Within Smith College Construction: Utilizing The New Neilson Library As A Case Study, Larissa Holland, Rebecca Miller, Lydia Sheyda
Other Student Projects
According to the Carbon Leadership Forum, the built environment contributes to almost 40% of CO2 emissions worldwide each year. While much of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted from structures is a result of the energy required to operate the lighting, heating, and cooling of existing buildings, it has been calculated that embodied carbon will be responsible for roughly half of the total new construction emissions between now and 2050. At an institutional scale, Smith College has made great progress in improving the energy and structural efficiency of building operations and expanding renewable energy initiatives. However, with construction being responsible for …