Working Group 3 - CARBON FOOTPRINT
To register the carbon footprint of the University of Valencia, that is, the calculation, reduction and compensation of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the University of Valencia with its activity.
The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in 2021, makes it clear that human activities are increasing the average temperature of the atmosphere, the Earth's surface and the oceans. The global average temperature was 1.09°C higher between 2001-2020 than in pre-industrial times (1850-1900). If we consider only emerged lands (excluding the oceans, which have warmed less), the average temperature over two decades of the 21st century has been 1.59°C higher. Most of the additional heat trapped in the atmosphere by human activities is the result of increased concentrations of so-called "Greenhouse Gases" (GHGs). Among these, carbon dioxide (CO2) is responsible for about 50% of the increase.
Global strategies to mitigate climate change, therefore, include a dramatic reduction in CO2 emissions, and the so-called "decarbonization" of the economy. The University of Valencia, and in particular the Vice-Rectorate for Sustainability, Cooperation and Healthy Living, is committed to this reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The main objectives of Working Group 3 (WG3) are:
(1) To estimate, in as much detail as possible, the CO2 emissions (the so-called "carbon footprint") of the infrastructures and activities of the Universitat de València;
(2) Draw up and put into practice a Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan;
(3) To study ways of offsetting the carbon footprint that cannot be avoided.
The WP3 was launched a few years ago and produced a series of recommendations to reduce the carbon footprint. However, due to various circumstances, its activity has been interrupted in the last two years. So, it is time to "re-found" WP3, and work to achieve the proposed objectives. All those who want and can contribute, from any area (normative, technical, logistics, engineering, biology, health, etc.) are welcome. If you are interested, please fill in the following form. At the end of September or early October, I will contact all those who have responded to arrange a first working meeting.
Regsitration Form for the Working Groupl
Gràcies a tots per endavant.
Thank you all in advance.
Emilio Barba, Head of Carbon Footprint Initiatives.
Professor of Microbiology and Ecology, Faculty of Biological Sciences.
