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?