Sustainability Commitments and Goals (SCAG)
The Miami University Sustainability Commitments and Goals (SCAG) were first established in 2010 with broad stakeholder input and later endorsed by President Hodge.
2016 SCAG
Goal 1: Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Continue to implement long-term changes in energy infrastructure, operations, and practices to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases relative to Oxford Campus FY 2008 (151,408 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents) 30% by 2020, 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
Goal 2: Consider the Social Cost of Carbon
When possible, consider the social cost of carbon and the incremental cost of greenhouse gas reduction when evaluating alternative investments into energy infrastructure.
Goal 3: Aim for LEED Silver Certification
Achieve LEED Silver (Version 4), 2 Green Globes, or Living Building Challenge 3.0 for all new construction and major renovation projects.
Goal 4: Green Care Plans for Miami's Grounds
Support best management practices in grounds maintenance, with a focus on classifying all of Miami’s lands with green care plans by end of FY2017.
Goal 5: Sustainability Literacy Survey
Demonstrate that faculty, staff and students have achieved a level of sustainability literacy through a literacy survey.
Goal 6: Track Efforts Through STARS
Continue to track and measure University sustainability efforts through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability, Tracking Assessment & Reporting System (STARS), with the next submission due March 2019.
Progress Toward Goals: FY 2018
The 2016 SCAG Goal 1 set a goal of 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases by 2020, relative to 2008 baseline.
In 2018, that goal was exceeded.
Miami University's most recent GHG emissions inventory was calculated using FY2018 data to calculate Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions (refer to Data and Reports: Carbon Footprint 2019).
The FY2018 Carbon Footprint for Oxford campus = 108,724 MTCO2.
Relative to FY 2008, carbon dioxide emissions from coal, natural gas, and purchased electricity (including transmission and distribution losses) in FY2018 reflected:
- Carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 44%
- Energy consumption was reduced by 36%, per gross square foot.
- Total carbon emissions were reduced by 30%.
No coal was burned in 2017.
2010 SCAG
The 2010 SCAG called for the following:
- Reduction of 20% in carbon emissions by 2020 relative to 2008 baseline.
- Increased emphasis on sustainability across the curriculum
- Improved culture and awareness of campus sustainability
- Greater sustainability in buildings and landscaping through the adoption of green-building standards and best management practices
- More efficient and sustainable practices in purchasing, operations, and waste management
- Transportation system that prioritizes walking, biking, public transportation, and shared commuting
- Socially and environmentally responsible investments and endowments
Progress in 2015: Carbon Footprint and Projections
The following chart was prepared as part of the Physical Facilities Department’s (PFD) institutional assessment and shows an approximate 13% carbon footprint reduction from 2008 to 2015.
Projections were based on continued efficiency improvements and the master plan to stop burning coal by 2025. Other reduction schemes, including on-site renewable electricity, are also shown.
Key Features
- PFD provided a 2013 institutional assessment of the FY2012 footprint.
- 2010 SCAG called for a 20% reduction per square foot (from a baseline of 2008 levels by 2020). Per the Utility Master Plan (UMP), this assumes a 17.3% increase in square footage.
- 2010 SCAG also mentions a straight 20% reduction by 2020 (relative to 2008) not linked to the square footage.
- 2010 SCAG calls for a 50% reduction per square foot (2008-2030). This assumes a 17.2% increase in square footage.
