Estimation of CO2 Emitted and Captured at the Sabanas Campus and the Sports Campus of the Universidad Popular del Cesar

Abstract

This work covers the estimations of CO2 emissions generated by the various existing sources at the Sabanas campus and the sports campus of the Universidad Popular del Cesar, and also presents the distribution of forest species, their physical and current condition, the amount of biomass contained in the trunks, and the carbon stored in them. The methodology was based on the use of emission factors with consumption for each service. CO2 emissions generated by mobile sources were estimated based on the emission factor according to their engine displacement and the distance traveled by vehicles on campus. The results show that for the year 2014, 47.67 tons of CO2/year were generated, with automobiles being the main source, contributing 24.49 tons of CO2/year to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the forest species present in both campuses have captured during their life cycle an equivalent of 39,364.03 tons of CO2. Additionally, species with higher carbon sequestration and fewer phytosanitary issues are suggested for future expansions of green areas on campus.