The Greenhouse Gas Inventory of Louisiana State University: A Case Study of the Energy Requirements of Public Higher Education in the United States

Higher education institutions play a leading role in sustainability efforts nationwide. Not only do these institutions require large quantities of energy to function but also their research role often lays the groundwork for social transformation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the annual greenhouse gas emissions primarily from energy usage at Louisiana State University. Total energy use is 2.43 million MMBtu resulting in per capita GHG emissions of 6.1 Metric Tons CO2e, which is low compared to many other universities because of lower utility costs. This calculation does not account for total indirect energy use by the university community. Several alternatives for reducing energy use and emissions are considered.