Assessment of Carbon Footprint and Possible Interventions to Reduce its Impact at University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan: The First Attempt

Abstract

Environmental sustainability does not mean living without luxuries but rather being aware of consumption of resources in a way that is environment friendly. Carbon footprint is one of the many environmental traces that has come to prominence because of its connection with global warming and subsequently climate change as the most renowned environmental indices. In 2018, prior to pandemic period, the University of Balochistan (UoB) participated for the first time in the UI Green Metrics world universities ranking and stood 346 globally and fourth position in Pakistan. It was recorded before the pandemic period that 19.12 Metric Ton (MT) per year of carbon footprint was produced within the premises of the UoB. Multiple interventions were carried out after post pandemic period such as to develop policies to (a) reduce carbon footprints, (b) increase the use of energy saving appliances, (b) recycling of wastewater, (c) regular plantation, and (d) conservation strategies for existing 400 pine trees, greenbelts and ornamental plants. It is suggested that universities may adopt the energy efficient criteria of UI GreenMetric with a focus of public awareness towards reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP), Climate Change by sustainable universities model.