Carbon footprint in an educational institution and compensation potential in urban forests

Abstract

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions are growing at an accelerated pace and can generate several environmental, social and economic problems. Because of this, Educational Institutions (IE) are taking a leading role in the development and implementation of sustainable practices and initiatives, recognizing their potential to accelerate this progress towards sustainable development. The objective was to develop GHG emission indices and the carbon footprint of the Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa campus, in the base period of 2019 and also the potential for compensation through the removal of carbon from the native forests existing at the university. In the base period, UFV emitted a total of 3492.46 MgCO2e. When considering the existing tree vegetation, it was found that the removal was 8547.76 MgCO2e, making the carbon balance negative, with a balance of 5055.30 MgCO2e. The emission index per total area was 2.13 MgCO2e.ha−1. year−1, the emission index per constructed area was 81.03 MgCO2e.ha−1. year−1, and the carbon footprint was 0.19 MgCO2e.person−1. year−1. It is concluded that the carbon balance is negative, indicating that the removal of carbon is greater than the emission of GHG. With the results obtained, UFV can promote green marketing and become an example for other Brazilian and worldwide IE.