CARBON FOOTPRINT OF AN ORGANIZATION: A CASE STUDY, FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA

Abstract

In order to identify the organizational impact on  global warming, an analysis was carried out using planned CO2 inventory with setting organizational and operational boundary under three scopes, according to GHG protocol. Carbon Footprint was calculated by using emission factors, obtained from 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National  Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Most relevant and appropriate emission factors for Sri Lankan conditions were selected by using assumptions to increase the transparency of the study. Results show that total CFP of the Faculty is 418.5 t CO2-e/yr. Average CFP per person in the  Faculty is 0.571 tCO2- e/yr. Transportation accounts for highest percentage, 37%, followed by electricity consumption having 27%, handling of farm animals with 22% and waste disposal is 11% of the total CFP. Other sources and activities show small portion of the total, such as stationary combustion sources accounts 2%, water consumption from outside water plants having 1% and rice cultivated area with 0.04%. It is concluded that calculated CFP is low compared to the estimates available worldwide. Net CFP of Faculty may be less than calculated value, as Faculty has further contributed to reduce and offset its CFP through  adapting to the eco friendly activities and available natural forest cover with in the Faculty.