2018 Conference

Poster Presentation

This project aims to complete an independent verification of a peer institution’s carbon offset program. In doing so, we will create a framework through which American University can implement a similar carbon offset program in our pursuit of carbon neutrality. We will assess the efficacy and validity of the peer institution’s Sustainability Portfolios, which pair carbon offsets with community development, with a specialization in urban forestry. In this case study, 6,400 trees have been planted around North Carolina to help offset 185,000 metric tons of carbon per year starting in 2024, with the goal of attaining institutional carbon neutrality. Working as a third party verification team, we will collaborate with both the American University Office of Sustainability and our peer institution. This will include site visits to at least one of seven locations in North Carolina where the urban forestry program has been implemented. We will evaluate the project permanence, project reliability, protocol enforceability, and perceived risks and failures. As a result, we will develop a Validation Report that assesses the project through document review, the aforementioned site visit, and interviews. An evaluation of the program’s success will allow American University to adopt the most efficient path toward carbon neutrality. Additionally, this evaluation will provide insights for other institutions as they strive for carbon neutrality.