Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Cornell has made steady progress toward its carbon neutrality goal, achieving a significant reduction in Ithaca campus emissions from 2008 baseline levels measured using the Second Nature and GHG Protocol methodologies. This progress reflects years of planning, investment, and operational changes. 

Cornell recognizes that more must be done and is actively pursuing next-generation solutions to close the gap. Most remaining emissions come from generating electricity and heating via Cornell's combined heat and power plant. The path to neutrality will require multidisciplinary innovation and continued commitment by the entire campus community.  

Emissions tracking at Cornell 

This site presents Cornell University’s tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as it pertains to our goal of carbon neutrality following the Second Nature standard for boundaries. This includes direct emissions from on campus sources (Scope 1); indirect emissions from purchased electricity (Scope 2); and indirect emissions from commuting and university funded air travel (Scope 3). These emissions are presented in our Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, together with the campus’ offsets and removals.

Cornell also tracks certain other indirect emissions in the value chain (Scope 3 emissions). These are presented in the Additional Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Upstream methane emissions from natural gas extraction and delivery processes (a.k.a. fuel and energy related activities - FERA) are not incorporated in the baseline metric. For FERA data and more information, please see our additional inventory.

Baseline inventory			Additional inventory

You will find brief information about methodology, boundaries, the different scopes of emissions, and how Cornell is reducing emissions on these pages. If you want more information, please reach out to the Campus Sustainability Office.

Baseline Inventory