Direct emissions for a school typically refer to the greenhouse gas emissions directly produced by activities and operations within the school’s physical boundaries. These emissions can include:
Energy Use: Emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels such as natural gas or heating oil for heating, cooling, and lighting buildings.
Transportation: Emissions from school-owned vehicles like buses and maintenance vehicles.
On-Site Fuel Combustion: Emissions from any combustion processes on school grounds, such as boilers, generators, or other equipment.
Waste Management: Emissions from waste disposal processes, such as landfilling or incineration of waste.
Chemical Use: Emissions from the use of chemicals in laboratories or maintenance activities.
Refrigerants: Emissions from the leakage of refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
Schools can assess and manage these direct emissions to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to sustainability efforts. Many institutions are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation practices to minimize their direct emissions footprint.