Emissions
GOAL: Net zero building emissions. Reduce emissions by 139K MtCO2e.
Goal update
Baseline: 153,964 MtCO2e
CY 2025: 108,987 MtCO2e (29.2% reduction)
Goal: 15,396 MtCO2e (90% reduction from baseline)
All measurements in thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Cumulative savings: Since 2010, the med center has saved 407,565 MtCO2e, equivalent to emissions from 54,707 homes for a year.
The med 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
Data Tracking.
Tracking utility use is imperative to identifying opportunities for energy reduction. Over the past several years, the med center fully integrated with EnergyCap—a robust platform that enables detailed analysis of trends, anomalies, and system-level performance.
To complement this work, we are also leveraging carbon accounting software to more comprehensively measure and manage GHG emissions. By pairing energy data with emissions insights, we can better understand the full emissions footprint of our operations, prioritize high-impact reduction strategies, and track progress toward our net-zero goals with greater accuracy and transparency.
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 med 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 med center. This is the largest rooftop solar installation in Nebraska.
Upcoming Projects
LED Retrofits.
The med center continues to identify opportunities and replace lighting systems with LEDs to conserve energy.
Construction Design Guidelines.
The med center is incorporating numerous sustainability best-practices into future construction.
Re-caulking and Envelope Sealing.
As part of an ongoing effort to upgrade existing structures, the med 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.