Into the green - SFU exceeds greenhouse gas reduction targets

The ground floor inside the Corix Biomass Plant. Photo credit: Corix - Simon Fraser University cut greenhouse gases by more than 50 per cent from 2007 levels in 2021, exceeding provincial interim targets and even topping the university's own aggressive Race to Zero targets. The reduction in emissions surpasses the provincial target of 16 per cent and even passes SFU-s Race to Zero interim target of 50 per cent by 2025 - all while the university's physical footprint grew 23 per cent in that same time period. While the pandemic contributed to the reduction of emissions last year (since fewer people were on campus using facilities), much of the credit also goes to SFU-s continued strategic efforts to improve energy efficiency and optimize renewable energy consumption, including projects such as the transition to renewable energy sources through the Corix Biomass Plant Facility Services is hard at work planning targets for the next five years to ensure the gains made in 2021 continue. The university strives to meet its next Race to Zero targets : an 85 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and to become net zero by 2050. -We are working hard to examine all opportunities to reduce our energy use and find sustainable solutions so that SFU is able to achieve its GHG reduction commitments,- says Larry Waddell, chief facilities officer. -Although we have exceeded our targets this past year, the remaining reductions will require considerable planning and effort.