Analysis of the factors affecting carbon emissions and absorption on a university campus – focusing on Pusan National University in Korea

Abstract

ABSTRACTClimate change has become a global issue. Universities, as major contributors to carbon emissions, have been asked to make efforts to reduce their carbon emissions. In this situation, carbon absorption by forests has been regarded as a means of mitigating carbon emissions. Therefore, this study examined the factors in carbon emissions, as well as the influence of carbon absorption on carbon reduction, through a data-centered analysis on the campus. An analysis of the Pusan National University campus, as an example, showed that the primary cause of carbon emissions is the use of electricity in buildings on the campus (63.8% of the total amount of emitted carbon), followed by indirect carbon emissions by movement of the campus’ members (21.5%). However only 0.66% of the amount emitted carbon is absorbed by forests. Therefore, effect of carbon reduction on the campus caused by carbon absorption is too small. Although the carbon absorption effect of the trees is inadequate, the value of trees still exists due to their environmental effects. Based on the results of this study, it is possible to reduce carbon emission by reducing electricity use and vehicle operation and provide a plan for using carbon absorption as a complementary measure.