Emissions
GOAL: Net zero building emissions. Reduce emissions by 154K MtCO2e.
Goal update
Baseline: 153,964 MtCO2e
June, 2024: 113,576 MtCO2e (26.2% reduction)
Goal: 15,396 MtCO2e (90% reduction from baseline)
All measurements in thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Cumulative savings: Since 2010, the Medical Center has saved 313,150 MtCO2e, equivalent to emissions from 39,490 homes for a year.
The Medical Center’s emissions goal focuses on emissions released to provide energy use for buildings. Ongoing progressive steps are being taken to make buildings more efficient and reduce energy use.
Total emissions declined relative to 2018, emissions and emissions-per-square-foot remain below baseline levels. Emissions decreased partly due to a decrease in Omaha Public Power District’s emissions factor. An emissions factor is the quantity of greenhouse gasses released per unit of energy created and is based on the fuel mix of the electrical utility company. Therefore, a utility that burns more fossil fuels or purchases electricity created with fossil fuels, will have a higher emissions factor than a utility that uses a greater proportion of carbon-free sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower.
Recent Efforts
Energy Curtailment Program.
In the summer of 2019, Facilities Management & Planning, the Office of Sustainability, and LiveGreen Ambassadors worked hard to engage the entire campus in reducing peak demand. Peak energy refers to the amount of electricity being used at the time of highest usage. Reducing peak demand saves significant amounts of electricity and keeps costs lower.
Solar Energy.
The Medical Center installed 1,487 solar panels in January 2019, which can generate 500 kW of power and reduce emissions by providing zero-carbon energy to the Medical Center. This is the largest rooftop solar installation in Nebraska.
Data Tracking.
Tracking utility use is imperative to find reductions and last year the Medical Center was able to fully integrate with EnergyCap—a very detailed software that can help find trends, anomalies, and data sets that will help us to further reduce energy use.
Campus Emissions (Total MtCO2e vs. Annual lbs. CO2/sq.ft.)
Upcoming Projects
LED Retrofits.
The Medical Center continues to identify opportunities and replace lighting systems with LEDs to conserve energy. Read more about recent LED retrofits here.
Davis Global Center.
Medical Center staff that comprise the energy group will make adjustments based on occupancy and use. This practice occurs with all new buildings to optimize energy use and reduce emissions. Read more about the Davis Global Center project here.
Eppley Science Hall Upgrades.
New insulation will be installed in Eppley Science Hall to improve energy efficiency. Read more about recent energy efficiency upgrades here.
Construction Design Guidelines.
The Medical Center is incorporating numerous sustainability best-practices into future construction. Read more about the design guidelines here.
Clarkson Tower Elevators.
Clarkson Tower is home to the 2nd most frequently used elevator system in the state. These elevators are being upgraded and replaced with newer, more efficient technology that requires less energy to operate. Read more about the Clarkson Tower project here.
Re-caulking and Envelope Sealing.
As part of an ongoing effort to upgrade existing structures, the Medical Center will identify several buildings for re-caulking and sealing of the exterior of the building to improve energy efficiency. These actions also improve air quality by reducing humidity infiltration.