Download - OM Sanctuary Carbon Footprint Presentation
Our Carbon Footprint: Knowing where we standEvan NovellSustainability InternUniversity of South Florida
Outline
What is Sustainability? What is Carbon Sequestration? Why are they important? Components of a carbon footprint Results from Cool Climate Limitations Moving forward!
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. -Robert Swan
What is sustainability? “Meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
-Brundtland Commission
Three important concepts Longevity Triple bottom line
Environmental, societal, economic. Processual
Sustainability is not a goal but an ongoing process of iteration.
What is Carbon Sequestration?
The process of removing excess carbon from the carbon cycle by capturing it (either naturally or artificially) and storing it indefinitely. At OM Sanctuary, the easement serves as the vessel for this
storage.
Why are they important?
Sustainability It facilitates several
important things… Socioeconomic
equitability Environmental
economic viability Actionable
environmental responsibility on multiple levels.
Carbon Sequestration Plays an important role in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Particularly from non-point sources.
CO2 is necessary for photosynthesis
Forest and agricultural productivity is directly related to the amount of CO2 present in forests and soils.
What to consider when calculating a carbon footprint? Location Business sector Number of facilities and Sq.
feet Number of employees Annual revenue Business related
transportation Energy usage Waste and recycling Procurements
Results of the Cool Climate Calculation 388 tons of CO2e from Oct 2015- Sept 2016 Strengths
Transportation Thanks to Asheville being a commuter friendly
city. Locally focused organization This figure is also likely to be smaller based on
staff location. Weaknesses
Procurements 173% of similar businesses Does not account for organic or locally sourced
Limitations and Obstacles Data is skewed because of
OMS’s previously dormant state. An example would be the
replacement of A/C equipment.
There are gaps in some of the required data. Paper, stationary and
printing. In these instances, averages
for small-scale hotels were used. Some of these are not
representative of OMS.
But Evan, how does this apply to tourism?
Asheville is a prime tourist destination. Wellness, outdoor sports and recreation, historical
significance, and beer! The OM sanctuary is situated adjacent to the French Broad
River. This is the third oldest river in the world. Is considered a tourist destination.
Our conservation easement contributes to the urban forest. As Asheville continues to develop, the longevity of the
easement will continue to provide benefits through natural services.
Moving Forward Carbon Offset project with:
Dogwood Alliance Ecoforesters
Ongoing environmental stewardship. Prescribed burn
Continue to engage the community. Infographics
Detailed record keeping Waste, procurements, etc.
Special thanks to
Questions?