Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

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Redeemer’s University Standard for Fulfilling Scope 3 (Partial) Emissions of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

Objective:

This standard outlines the process by which Redeemer’s University will address Scope 3 emissions in alignment with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Scope 3 emissions refer to the indirect emissions that occur across the university’s value chain, including those resulting from activities not owned or directly controlled by the university, such as purchased goods and services, commuting, business travel, and waste disposal. These emissions are critical to achieving the university’s Climate Action Plan goals and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Key Components of Redeemer’s University Scope 3 Emissions Reduction Plan

Employee and Student Commuting

  1. Measurement and Monitoring:
    • Conduct annual surveys of staff and student commuting patterns to collect data on modes of transport, distances traveled, and frequency of trips.
    • Develop a digital platform to track real-time commuting data from individuals across the campus community to measure associated GHG emissions.
  2. Reduction Strategies:
    • Encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, and cycling by offering incentives, such as discounted transit passes and safe bike storage on campus.
    • Redeemer’s University has pioneered the AWA Bike program, a campus-wide bicycle-sharing initiative designed to reduce the use of personal vehicles and promote sustainable commuting options. The program allows students and staff to access bicycles for use across campus and nearby areas, significantly reducing carbon emissions from commuting.
    • Promote cycling by expanding AWA Bike stations to key points across campus, providing well-marked cycling routes and regular maintenance to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the program.
    • Set a goal to reduce commuting emissions by 40% by 2026 by increasing the use of low-emission transportation options.


Business Travel

  1. Measurement and Monitoring:
    • Implement a system for tracking university-related business travel, including flights, accommodations, and other transportation modes, through a central reporting platform.
    • Develop a carbon footprint calculator to estimate emissions from all business travel activities.
  2. Reduction Strategies:
    • Promote virtual meetings and conferences as an alternative to frequent air travel, particularly for international events.
    • Partner with travel service providers to offer carbon offset options for university-related flights and other business travel.
    • Establish a travel emissions reduction policy to guide staff in choosing lower-emission transportation alternatives, such as train travel for shorter distances or eco-friendly accommodations.


Purchased Goods and Services

  1. Measurement and Monitoring:
    • Track the carbon footprint of all major purchased goods and services using data provided by suppliers and vendors, focusing on energy-intensive purchases like IT equipment, furniture, and construction materials.
    • Require all suppliers to submit environmental impact reports as part of their contract agreements, including GHG emissions data for goods delivered to the university.
  2. Reduction Strategies:
    • Develop sustainable procurement guidelines that prioritize eco-friendly products, such as energy-efficient appliances, recycled materials, and products with low-carbon footprints.
    • Priority will be given to vendors within Osun State, Nigeria, to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation of goods and services to the university. By sourcing locally, the university aims to significantly cut down on emissions from logistics and distribution.
    • In addition, priority will be given to suppliers with a proven environmental impact record, focusing on companies that demonstrate strong sustainability practices in production, sourcing, and delivery.
    • Collaborate with suppliers to source sustainably produced goods, including low-emission manufacturing processes and transportation logistics.


Waste Management and Disposal

  1. Measurement and Monitoring:
    • Implement a comprehensive waste tracking system to monitor all campus waste streams, including food waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials.
    • Measure the emissions associated with the transport and disposal of waste, including those from landfills and recycling centers.
  2. Reduction Strategies:
    • Set a target for the university to become a zero-waste campus by 2028 by reducing waste generation, improving recycling, and promoting composting initiatives.
    • Collaborate with NGOs and waste management companies to ensure that all recyclable and compostable materials are properly processed and that landfill waste is minimized.
    • Implement a composting program for food waste from campus dining services, aiming to reduce food waste emissions by 50% by 2025.
    • Transition to digital documentation systems to reduce paper usage and the associated emissions from paper waste disposal.


Water Use and Treatment

  1. Measurement and Monitoring:
    • Monitor the carbon emissions associated with water consumption on campus, including energy usage for water treatment and distribution.
    • Track wastewater treatment processes and emissions resulting from university activities.
  2. Reduction Strategies:
    • Implement rainwater harvesting systems on all new and existing buildings to capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation, campus landscaping, and non-potable purposes, reducing water consumption by 30% by 2025.
    • Increase water conservation efforts through low-flow fixtures, smart irrigation systems, and leak detection technologies to reduce water-related energy usage.
    • Partner with ACEWATER to conduct research on water-efficient technologies and contribute to local water conservation efforts, reducing the regional carbon footprint associated with water use.


Collaboration and Partnerships

  1. Internal Collaboration:
    • Engage staff, students, and faculty through sustainability education and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of Scope 3 emissions reduction.
    • Establish an Sustainability Advisory Group that includes representatives from procurement, facilities management, and research teams to develop policies for reducing Scope 3 emissions.
  2. External Collaboration:
    • Partner with NGOs, government agencies, and local businesses to implement sustainable practices in procurement, waste management, and commuting.
    • Work with vendors and suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of goods and services provided to the university by encouraging sustainable logistics and packaging practices.


Reporting and Transparency

  1. Annual Reporting:
    • Publish an annual Sustainability Report that includes detailed tracking of Scope 3 emissions, reduction progress, and achievements. This report will also include comparisons to previous years and outline strategies for further emissions reduction.
    • Make this information publicly available to ensure transparency and accountability in the university’s efforts to mitigate climate change.
  2. Certification and Accreditation:
    • Work towards obtaining recognized certifications for Scope 3 emissions tracking and reduction, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) and LEED certification for new buildings and sustainable procurement practices.
    • Partner with third-party auditors to verify progress on Scope 3 emissions reduction targets and ensure compliance with international standards.


Conclusion

By adopting this comprehensive standard for measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions, Redeemer’s University reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and climate action. Through systematic monitoring, partnerships with NGOs and local governments, and the implementation of innovative reduction strategies, the university will not only achieve its goal of reducing indirect GHG emissions but also contribute to a broader regional and global effort to combat climate change.

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