Decarbonization Advisory Services - Zero Carbon Campus Action Plan

Challenge

The Client, a high-profile subsidiary of an international media and entertainment corporation, has been working with the Corporation’s Enterprise Social Responsibility Department, to analyze energy and emissions, evaluate energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, and incorporate energy and fuels market trends, technologies, and regulations for several years. In December 2020, the Corporation announced a new set of environmental goals for 2030 which focus on five main areas: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Water, Waste, Materials and Sustainable Design.

Solution

TRC partnered with the client to contribute to the Corporate 2030 goal of net-zero GHG emissions across Scope 1 and 2 operations, by identifying zero net carbon emissions pathways at two facilities: 1.6M sf headquarters Campus in Connecticut and a 180,000 sf regional production facility in Texas. The plan methodology included the following:

Data Collection

• Site audits at Campus and regional facility
• Installation of extensive electric submetering

Carbon, Energy, and Cost Analysis

• Baseline inventory
• Benchmarking
• Identification of energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy opportunities

Pathway Development

• Three alternative pathways for decarbonization within five years
• Provided comparative costs and benefits

Result

The scope of work, which included data collection, site audits, benchmarking, carbon/energy/cost analysis, and pathway development, resulted in a Zero Net Carbon Campus Action Plan. This Action Plan establishes clear net zero carbon reduction objectives for these facilities, identifies pathways for each facility to achieve the objective within five years, and presents the comparative costs, benefits, and considerations of each pathway for the Client’s consideration. It addresses Scope 1 and 2 emissions sources at all facilities, including building and transportation energy purchases and the use of stationery and transport fuels. Ultimately, the plan developed by TRC will provide guidance to leadership and operational staff to inform their planning towards achieving zero net carbon facilities over the next five years.