Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report

Khalifa University is implementing a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and enhance sustainability across its operations. Key efforts include energy efficiency programs such as upgrading to LED lighting, optimizing HVAC systems, and installing smart building controls to minimize energy consumption. In addition, the university is investing in renewable energy solutions, including the installation of solar panels and the procurement of green power. To promote sustainable transportation, the university is expanding its infrastructure with electric vehicle charging stations and is planning to improve bicycle facilities. These initiatives collectively support the university’s commitment to reducing emissions and fostering a more sustainable campus environment.

The university has developed a comprehensive 5-year sustainability strategy that serves as a roadmap for advancing environmental sustainability across its operations. This strategy not only highlights current programs and initiatives but also outlines ambitious plans, setting clear annual targets across three key thematic areas: Resource Management, Academic Excellence, and Community Engagement.

Under Resource Management, the strategy focuses on optimizing the use of energy, water, and fuel through initiatives such as energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction programs, and sustainable procurement practices. In the area of Academic Excellence, the university aims to integrate sustainability into its curriculum and research fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address global sustainability challenges. For Community Engagement, the strategy emphasizes raising awareness, and encouraging active participation in sustainability initiatives among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

By aligning its efforts with this strategy, the university is committed to achieving measurable progress and contributing to local and global sustainability goals. The annual targets provide a framework for accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring that sustainability remains a core priority in the university’s mission and operations.

• Utility bills/meter readings
• Building management systems
• Supplier reports

• Internal data verification procedures
• Uncertainty assessment

To ensure accuracy and transparency in Khalifa University’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, the following calculation methodologies have been applied for key emission sources: LPG, Gasoline, diesel, fugitive emissions, and purchased electricity and cooling. These methodologies align with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and best practices for emissions accounting.

LPG is a direct source of Scope 1 emissions, as its combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere. The emissions factor for LPG has been taken directly from the calculation’s tools and guidance in the GHG protocol standard. Consumption of one litre of LPG releases 1.47kg of CO2

Gasoline is a direct source of Scope 1 emissions, as its combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere. The emissions factor for gasoline has been taken directly from the calculation’s tools and guidance in the GHG protocol standard. Consumption of one litre of gasoline releases 2.3kg of CO2 per litre

Diesel is a direct source of Scope 1 emissions, as its combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere. The emissions factor for gasoline has been taken directly from the calculation’s tools and guidance in the GHG protocol standard. Consumption of one litre of gasoline releases 2.6kg of CO2 per litre

For LPG, Gasoline and Diesel the following formula was applied to get the emissions in metric tonnes:

tCO2 = (consumption in litres X emission factor) / 1,000

Fugitive emissions are unintentional releases of greenhouse gases, typically from refrigeration and air conditioning systems, which use refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). These are classified as Scope 1 emissions. GWP values are typically calculated over a specific time frame, such as 20, 100, or 500 years. The most used time horizon is 100 years. GWP is critical for calculating the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) of non-CO₂ greenhouse gases. This allows organizations to aggregate emissions from different gases into a single metric for reporting and reduction purposes.

For fugitive emissions, the following formula was applied to get the emissions in metric tonnes:

tCO2 = (consumption in kg X GWP) / 1,000

Purchased Electricity and cooling are an indirect source of Scope 2 emissions, as the emissions occur at the facility where the electricity is generated. The emission factor for electricity is based on the grid’s average emissions intensity, which varies by region. In Abu Dhabi, according to Abu Dhabi National Energy Company’s (TAQA) sustainability report, the emission factor of electricity distributed is nearly 0.2 tCO2 per MWh in 2023.

For purchased electricity and cooling, the consumption was first converted to Megawatt-hour (MWh) from Kilowatt-hour (kWh) and then the following formula was applied:

tCO2 = (consumption in MWh X emission factor)