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Carbon Lock-in and Decarbonization Pathways at the University of Dayton

Worsham, Matthew
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8210-760X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1493394692287645

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, Renewable and Clean Energy.
Despite the availability of cost-effective alternatives to highly carbon-intensive practices, the world continues to invest in fossil fuel energy systems. For universities that have pledged to become carbon neutral, this concept of carbon lock-in raises the stakes of their carbon commitments, presenting challenges to traditional practices in facilities planning and operations. Building upon past research on carbon lock-in effects on college campuses, this thesis seeks to identify the University of Dayton’s over-committed emissions under a business-as-usual scenario and chart out a course for decarbonization pathways that would unlock those emissions that are hardest to avoid. I find the business-as-usual scenario results in high carbon liability at the neutrality date, which represents high costs to offset carbon emissions or purchase other “end-of-pipe” solutions. I also discuss decarbonization pathways that could unlock these over-committed emissions. Future work should explore some of the carbon unlocking strategies discussed here so the university can begin to integrate them into its climate action plan and construction policies. Additionally, this perspective on carbon lock-in will be useful to administrators and facilities managers at other institutions concerned about carbon neutrality and high carbon liabilities associated with existing and future carbon-emitting infrastructure.
Robert Brecha, PhD (Advisor)
Kevin Hallinan, PhD (Committee Member)
Jun-Ki Choi, PhD (Committee Member)
84 p.
Climate Change; Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Sustainability
carbon lock-in; climate commitment; social cost of carbon; higher education; over-committed emissions; carbon accounting; emissions scenarios; facilities management; american college and university presidents climate commitment; decarbonization pathways

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Worsham, M. (2017). Carbon Lock-in and Decarbonization Pathways at the University of Dayton [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1493394692287645

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Worsham, Matthew. Carbon Lock-in and Decarbonization Pathways at the University of Dayton. 2017. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1493394692287645.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Worsham, Matthew. "Carbon Lock-in and Decarbonization Pathways at the University of Dayton." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1493394692287645

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

dayton1493394692287645
745
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.