Waste

We calculated the total quantity of energy required to produce an ESF graduate based on the energy costs associated with on and off campus activities in 2001. We identified and analyzed four components of the ESF energy budget: direct on-site energy; indirect energy in supplies, equipment, and new construction; energy in transportation of students, faculty, and staff, including daily commute and field trips/research; and maintenance metabolism, including energy use in food consumption, residence utilities, and student spending. We determined the energy cost per student in 2001 and multiplied this annual cost by the average time it takes to earn an ESF diploma to generate the energy cost per graduate. Direct energy on-site use was obtained through the ESF Physical Plant. Indirect energy, energy in transportation, and energy for maintenance metabolism was calculated using a campus wide survey and estimated energy intensities of specific goods and services. The average ESF graduate uses 1.15 TJ in pursuit of their degree. Energy analyses can be useful tools to understand total facility energy costs and can also serve in developing energy conservation initiatives.

Published in: Environmental study from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 2003
Available from: http://www.esf.edu/spotlight/2003/es.htm#Anchor-ESTIMATING-14210