Carbon footprint analysis for Sunway University campus

Abstract

Carbon footprint can be quantified from the emission of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) through human activities, whereby it has impacted the environment. Burning of crude oil as a main source of fuel for combustion to provide energy for transportation and electricity production, releases various Greenhouse gas (GHG), mainly CO2 gas. Hence, a study was conducted at Sunway University to calculate its carbon emission from electricity consumption and transportation usage by campus dwellers (Sunwayians) whereby CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) computations were performed on monthly electricity consumption for the year 2018 till 2019 and the number of vehicles parked within the campus. Behavioural and awareness studies were performed based on survey questionnaires. Results indicated that the total Carbon Footprint from CO2 emission for electricity consumption were 10,369 MTCO2eq and 10,005 MTCO2eq for year 2018 and 2019, respectively while emission from transportations scored 0.383 MTCO2eq per day. The survey showed that a significant correlation between Sunwayians and awareness on sustainable activities on campus. The results of CO2 equivalent for Sunway University would serve as a baseline study for future target setting and strategies in Carbon Footprint for the University management near future.