frequently asked questions

This refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). It serves as a critical metric for assessing environmental impact and guiding sustainability efforts.

The Carbon Footprint Tracker (CFT) for Saint Louis University is a digital tool designed to measure, monitor, and display the university’s carbon emissions, with a focus on electricity consumption. It also features a system for remotely tracking energy usage through internet-enabled electric meters, providing real-time data for more accurate monitoring and analysis.

The Carbon Footprint Tracker (CFT) for Saint Louis University utilizes a non-invasive sensor to monitor electricity consumption. By integrating the Internet of Things (IoT), the system collects real-time data, which is then processed to calculate the university’s carbon emissions. The calculated emissions are displayed on the dashboard (this website).

The Carbon Footprint Tracker is essential for promoting sustainability and environmental awareness within Saint Louis University. It aligns with global sustainability goals, encourages behavioral change by informing users about their carbon emissions, supports the university’s sustainability initiatives, contributes to research and policy development, and fosters community engagement in environmental responsibility.

Electricity consumption is a major source of carbon emissions. Research shows that generating and distributing electricity significantly impacts carbon footprints (Long, 2023). By focusing on electricity, this study can use existing emission data, such as those from the Department of Energy, to calculate emissions per kilowatt-hour. This improves accuracy and helps provide specific recommendations for reducing emissions.

If you have additional questions or require assistance, please reach out to our support team via the contact form on our website.