Al-Quds University’s GHG Emissions Reporting

1. Introduction

Al-Quds University instituted the tracking and mitigation of the ramifications of our operations on the environment and on Green House Gas emissions as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility. The University recognizes the complexity of climate change and the necessity of engaging all institutions, higher education included, on the challenge. This report details the GHG emissions inventory undertaken in 2023, in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, the most internationally recognized standard for government leaders and businesses in the management, quantification, and understanding of GHG emissions.

       1.1 Year of the Conducted Inventory

In 2023, Al-Quds University operations was subject to the comprehensive GHG emissions inventory, as part of the internationally recognizied best practices for tracking and reducing our carbon footprint, and determining the levels of sustainability in our operations and the GHG emissions ramifications of our operations.

       1.2 The Importance of GHG Emissions Inventory

Our emissions inventory is a between step strategizing within the wider climate change strategic plan. It is an important step to measure and assess the GHG emissions. It is a global climate change mitigation action and provides a measure of our emissions over a period of time. It also informs the strategizing of our emissions within the GHG emission reductions targets.

       1.3. Data Collection and Calculation Methodology

Our GHG emissions inventory is a multi-step approach that involves the collection of emissions data and the application of accepted calculation techniques to determine emissions quantities.

In the compilation of our GHG emissions inventory, data collection involves a representative data scope of our GHG emissions. To aid our scope, we covered data collection from the following core sources:

• Invoices: Utility invoices detailed data concerning the campus energy use, gas and electricity consumption, and the monthly energy consumption tracking.

1. Suppliers: Emissions data from our suppliers were also considered, especially from transport fuel and refrigerant emissions used within our systems.

• Financial Reports: In our internal financial records analyses, we identified expenditures associated with indirect GHG emissions for some goods and services. These included ICT hardware and telecommunication services, business travel, security and cleaning services.
• Surveys: To understand staff commuting patterns, we conducted surveys with our staff, faculty, and students.

Data collected were subjected to quantification processes and GHG Protocol Corporate Standard which apportions greenhouse gas emissions to different scopes. Each scope consists of different calculations.

Scope 1: Direct GHG Emissions: Direct GHG emissions come from sources that fall under the ownership or control of Al-Quds University. These emissions come from the burning of gas and transport fuels, and the use of refrigerants in our cooling systems. For every type of fuel, we adopted standard emission factors. Emission factors are a predetermined value which converts activity data, for instance the volume of gas combusted, into GHG emissions. Emission factors denote average GHG emission rate for a specific source relative to measures of activity.

Scope 2: Energy Indirect GHG Emissions: We calculate and track emissions financially associated with the electricity we purchase and use. It is estimated through the total consumption of electricity and an associated emissions factor. An emissions factor is defined as the average emissions generated per unit of electricity consumed in addition to the method used to produce the electricity.

Scope 3: Other Indirect GHG Emissions: These emissions come from sources that are not owned or controlled by Al-Quds University yet are still activities attributable to them. These are perhaps the hardest emissions to calculate, and to the extent that they are measurable, they make a large contribution to the overall carbon footprint. To estimate emissions for Scope 3, we primarily used expenditure data from the surveys, financial reports, and invoices, combined with appropriate emissions factors. An example is the emissions from staff commuting, for which we used a commuting survey and emissions factors based on the transport mode and distance to estimate the emissions from to and from work commute.

2.  Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Greenhouse Gas Emissions at Al-Quds University

Looking at Al-Quds University’s GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions from 2019 to 2023, there appears to be some volatility. 2019 and 2023 showed comparatively high GHG emissions, while 2020 and 2021 experienced a significant drop in emissions. These variations can be understood in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the operational changes at the university.

In response to the global health crisis, Al-Quds University implemented remote learning and limited in-person university activities from March 2020 to December 2021. GHG emissions during this period, especially from the university’s owned vehicles, student and staff commuting, and the university’s buildings and facilities, significantly dropped because there was less travel and energy use.

Furthermore, many university operational elements that incur Scope 3 emissions, such as purchase and disposal of waste, were also considerably less during this period because of the reduced operational scale of the university.

With the reopening of the University, we expect the GHG emissions to increase again like in 2022. This gives the University a chance to reevaluate the carbon emissions and figure out how to operate in a more sustainable way in the post Covid era.

3.  GHG Inventory Calculations

For the GHG inventory, we used the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, which incorporates the 3 scopes of emissions.

       3.1 Scope 1 – Direct GHG Emissions

The University Owned sources of Direct Emissions include the combustion of fuels in the University controlled boilers, furnaces, and vehicles, as well as in the process equipment, and chemical emissions that are produced in controlled process equipment.

In 2023 we used a bottom up approach to scale and document emissions from the following sources.

         3.1.1 Natural Gas

Al-Quds University is still trying to monitor and mitigate GHG emissions and as part of that we are documenting the use of Natural Gas. This document will highlight the Scope 1 direct emissions that occur from our Natural Gas use. All calculations used 2019 as the baseline year.

To determine GHG emissions as a result of our use of natural gas, we calculated GHG emissions by gas consumed multiplied by gas emission factor. The emissions factor for butane, as used from IPCC, is about 3.01 kg CO2 per kg of butane burned. Our consumption of natural gas as measured in kg where 1 cylinder of gas is 12 kg of butane. The GHG emissions as calculated are thus expressed in kg of CO2.

The following is a GHG emissions estimation and natural gas consumption report by year:

Consideration should be given to the fact that the values given are estimations. For example, there are variations in the efficiency of the appliances using gas and the exact type of gas being used with the appliances. That said, there is enough information to provide a ballpark figure of GHG emissions made from natural gas which is useful in establishing reduction goals and tracking progress made toward those goals.

In the pursuit of a 2050 (or sooner) net GHG emissions goal of zero, the organization strives to keep reducing the emissions made from natural gas. This organization hopes to cut the emissions made from gas further, based on prior analysis of gas usage. The organization is confident that its effort will be significant in the battle against climate change.

For Al-Quds University, there is a commitment to transparency in emissions, which is continuously elaborated on, and there is enacted adaptive change in the strategic plan. The organization is confident that every incremental change, even if it is small, is progress in the effort of building a durable and adaptive future.

         3.1.2 Non-Transport Fuels

We also use non-transport fuels for our operations. These include fuels for campus generators, maintenance machinery, and other campus operations. The GHG emissions for non-transport diesel fuel can be calculated using the emissions factor for diesel fuel. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the emissions factor for diesel fuel combustion is about 2.688 kg CO2/litre.

Below is the estimated GHG emissions from diesel fuel used at Al-Quds University for non-transport purposes:

As illustrated by the numbers, the university was able to significantly decrease diesel consumption after 2019, with a small increase in 2023. The decline in diesel consumption is a positive step in mitigating the university’s carbon footprint. Nonetheless, it must be pointed out that the numbers provided in this context remain estimative. Concerning the emissions, several factors might include the generators’ efficiency and the diesel’s exact constituents.

         3.1.2 Transport Fuels

To identify the emissions generated by transport fuel, the fuel used in university-owned and operated vehicles was encompassed in our direct emissions. With respect to greenhouse gas emissions from transport fuel, we ought to rely on the diesel combustion emissions factor from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is around 2.688 kg CO2 per litre. In this case, let us perform estimations with the provided fuel consumption data. Al-Quds University directly operated a large bus and two small buses which are integral for the university operations. The fuel consumption of those vehicles constitute the institution’s gas emissions.

Here is how much GHG emissions diesel fuel burnt in university-owned and operated vehicles is estimated to produce:

The year 2023 serves as an excellent example because detailed calculations can be made as follows:

CO2 emissions (kg) = 3.1 million kWh × 0.7 kg CO2/kWh = 2.17 thousand tonnes CO2

The rest of this report serves Al-Quds University not only as its closure, but as an example of its commitment to GHG emissions reporting and commitment to GHG emissions transparency, Al-Quds University is a more GHG emissions reporting committed to a transparent and more sustainable future. Given the efforts to lower GHG emissions reporting to lower transparency emissions, Al-Quds University is an academic pioneer to environmental responsibility.

      3.3 Scope 3 – Other Indirect GHG emissions

These are emissions that occur as a consequence of the activities of the University but from sources not owned or controlled by the University. These contribute to the absence of an institution’s carbon footprint and are not easily quantifiable.

In this inventory, we cover several key categories such as business travel, staff and student commuting, purchased goods and services, waste disposal, usage of ICT equipment, and the associated emissions calculations.

         3.3.1 Business Travel

For business travel, modes of transport include an airplane, a train, a personal vehicle and a rented vehicle, and a bus. This information was gathered from the invoices and travel logs. Emission estimations takes into account the distance traveled, the particular mode of transport used, and the pre-established emission factors for the various transport types.

Calculation Methodology: The total distance traveled (in km) was multiplied by an average emission factor of 2.68 kg CO2e/L and an average fuel efficiency of 10 km/L was assumed to estimate GHG emissions.

         3.3.2 Student and Staff Commuting

Commuting includes the transportation of students and staff to and from the university. This data is based on records of the university and data collected from surveys. Emissions are quantified based on distance traveled, transport mode, and distance-specific emission factors.

Calculation Methodology: Emissions were calculated based on the distance traveled (in km), average emissions of 2.68 kg CO2e/L, and a fuel efficiency of 10 km/L; this information was used to derive the total CO2e emissions.

         3.3.3 Purchased Goods and Services

This involves items such as paper and electronics. Information was gathered from invoices and records of procurement.

Conversion Method: It is approximated based on global standards from the World Resources Institute (WRI) that every $1,000 spent generates 0.4 tCO2e, thus we will use this estimate for our calculations.

         3.3.4 Waste Disposal

Waste disposal includes both solid waste and wastewater. Data was collected from waste management facilities and invoices. Emissions are computed from the type of waste and the relevant specific emission factors.

Waste disposal emissions depend not only the type of waste, but also the disposal method. For the sake of simplicity, I will use the average factor of 1.5 kg CO2e per kg of waste, also taken from WRI.

         4.1.2 Scope 2 Emissions (tCO2e)

Indirect emissions from the purchased electricity for all university buildings were considerable and consistent with the standard operating procedures.

         4.1.3 Scope 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

Considering the other indirect emissions associated with business travel, employee commuting, and waste disposal, all of which, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, were at normal levels.

         4.2.2 Scope 2 Emissions (tCO2e) 4.2.2

There was a significant decrease in Scope 2 emissions as a result of decreased electricity use during the campus closure.

         4.2.3 Scope 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

The restrictions on travel and the transition to remote meetings resulted in a decline in Scope 3 emissions associated with business travel and commuting.

       4.3 Summary of 2021 GHG Emissions

The continued emissions lower trend in 2021 can be explained by lower restrictions of the pandemic and the continued implementation of remote learning. This year also experienced less travel and activities on campus, lower energy use, and thus, lower emissions in comparison to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

         4.3.1 Scope 1 Emissions (tCO2e)

The direct emissions saw a reflection of the lower on campus activities in 2021, thus, remaining low.

         4.3.2 Scope 2 Emissions (tCO2e)

The partial campus closures throughout the year resulted in low electricity consumption and, subsequently, lower Scope 2 emissions.

         4.3.3 Scope 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

As business travel continued to be minimal, there was only a slight increase in Scope 3 emissions attributed to commuting during the easing of restrictions.

       4.4 Summary of 2022 GHG Emissions

With the return of the pandemic’s ease in 2022, the university shifted back to its normal activities. As expected, GHG emissions were higher post-pandemic. While GHG emissions were higher, the energy and remote operations fuel use lessons learned during the pandemic can be valuable for future the future sustainability focus.

         4.4.1 Scope 1 Emissions (tCO2e)

As the use of natural gas and diesel for on-site activities grew, so did the use of transport and fuel in the university. Hence, direct emissions grew as the operations shifted back to on-site learning and working.

         4.4.2 Scope 2 Emissions (tCO2e)

There was an increase in Scope 2 emissions because electricity consumption spiked when buildings opened up again.

         4.4.3  Scope 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

With the return of the community to the campus and the resumption of business travel, Scope 3 emissions increased. Nevertheless, the use of online meeting platforms and other online learning activities mitigated some of this increase.

       4.5.2 Scope 2 Emissions (tCO2e)

Regarding Scope 2 emissions, Al-Quds University has shown a reduction in 2023 compared to 2022. This reflects better energy efficiency improvements in the consumption of externally provided electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.

       4.5.3 Scope 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

In Scope 3 Emissions, Al-Quds University demonstrated, emissions reductions in 2023 relative to the previous year.

       4.6 Total Summary of GHG Emissions (2019-2023)

Over the review period of five years, the tables and figures below demonstrate the carbon emissions relative to the three scopes at Al-Quds University. The emission values were and continue to be inconsistent primarily due to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the last two years indicate a greater managerial control over the carbon emissions, with the situation stabilizing.

         4.6.1 Scope 1 – Direct Emissions

During this period, natural gas, diesel, transport fuels, and refrigerant gases contributed to the Scope 1 direct GHG emissions of the university. The emissions decreased considerably in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, which limited in-person activities at the university and triggered a fully online operation. Scope 1 emissions rose considerably in 2022 as COVID restrictions were eased, and the university fully resumed normal activities. Emissions declined this time, but slightly in 2023, relative to the year before.

       4.6.2 Scope 2 – Indirect Emissions

In 2020 and part of 2021 emissions associated with indirect emissions as a result of electricity usage within UG buildings diminished considerably because of the closure of the university. Emissions level as a result of the reopening in 2022. However, 2023 showed these emissions as a result of improved control measures and management of activities decreased.

       4.6.3 Scope 3 – Other Indirect Emissions

At Al-Quds University, other indirect emissions caused especially by business travel, commuting, and waste disposal significantly dropped during the 2020-2021 pandemic period. There was, however, an increase in 2022. The relative Scope 3 emissions during 2022 were still lower than in the years immediately preceding the pandemic as a result of the continued use of online platforms. In 2023, there was a further reduction in total Scope 3 emissions relative to the previous year. This reflects the University’s continued efforts to reduce the emissions.

       4.6.4 Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

The table below presents a comparative summary of our GHG emissions for the last five years:

       4.7 Total Summary of GHG Emissions (2019-2022) – Old Summary March 2023

In the four years between 2019-2022 the total GHG emissions for Al-Quds University displayed a variable trend, mostly because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

        4.7.1 Scope 1 – Direct Emissions

Between 2019-2022, the main contributors to the direct GHG emissions were the consumption of natural gas, diesel for vehicles, the fuel for transport, and the refrigerant gases. 2020 and 2021 saw a notable drop in Scope 1 emissions because of the pandemic which limited activities to mostly online. 2022 saw an increase in Scope 1 emissions significantly due to the normalisation of operations after a period of COVID-19 restrictions.

         4.7.2 Scope 2 – Indirect Emissions

Indirect emissions were primarily results of the consumption of electricity for the University buildings. The University campus closure during 2020 and part of 2021 resulted in a considerable decrease in the Scope 2 emissions. Conversely, emissions levelled up as the campus reopened during 2022.

         4.7.3 Scope 3 – Other Indirect Emissions

Other indirect emissions primarily stemmed from business travel, commuting, and waste disposal. There was a significant decline in these activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in 2020 and 2021. Although there was an increase in these emissions during 2022, the continued utilization of online platforms for certain activities during and after the pandemic has helped to keep Scope 3 emissions below pre-pandemic levels.

4.7.4        Scope 1,2, and 3 Emissions (tCO2e)

The following table provides a comparative snapshot of our GHG emissions over the past four years: