On Nov. 15, 2024, Swarthmore released its plan to reduce Scope 3 emissions on its website, with a link to the document attached. As part of the broader 20X35 energy program aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, the new Scope 3 Emissions Plan seeks to reduce and offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are not directly controlled by the college but are generated throughout its value chain. Some of the plan’s strategies have already been implemented, including the Air Travel Carbon Fee, in effect since July 1, 2022, which imposes an $11-per-flight charge for air travel funded by the college’s operating budget.
The Phoenix previously spoke with Emmy Li ’25, a former President’s Sustainability Research Fellowship (PSRF) fellow, about her perspective on and involvement in related projects. Based on information provided by the Office of Sustainability, this article includes further details on the plan.
Most Scope 1 (direct emissions tied to campus facilities and operations) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy) emissions can be reduced through the 20X35 energy program, which includes campus infrastructure upgrades. These projects comprise completed constructions such as the geo-exchange plant and the Dining and Community Commons, as well as upcoming ones like the second round of well drilling and water pipe installation. Reducing Scope 3 emissions is more challenging because they are closely tied to individual behaviors, including reducing waste, changing air travel habits, and taking public transportation.
Recently, the college launched a SEPTA program for faculty and staff as part of its effort to reduce Scope 3 emissions from commuting. Modeled after the existing SEPTA program for students, it offers faculty and staff a low-cost SEPTA key card for access to the region’s transit network, encouraging public transportation use.
Other efforts by the Office of Sustainability focus on fostering a culture of sustainability and encouraging community engagement. These include student opportunities such as the Green Advisors, PSRF programs, and internships (now open for applications on JobX by Friday, Mar. 7), as well as educational outreach like class presentations, geo-exchange plant tours, tabling for students, faculty, and staff, behavior change pop-ups, and zero-waste training.
Melanie Patapis, Climate Action Manager at the Office of Sustainability, recommended several ways students can support emissions reduction efforts on campus, including using the free SEPTA service, choosing sustainable printing options, and properly sorting waste in the tri-bin systems. “Emissions related to waste are calculated based on the tons sent to the Covanta incinerator in Chester. By diverting more waste from the trash and reducing overall waste on campus, we can expect emissions from waste to decrease,” she explained in an email to The Phoenix.
According to the Office, the goal is to prioritize reductions in Scope 3 emissions before turning to voluntary carbon offsets, a tradable instrument that represents the reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide per purchase. However, since it is impossible to eliminate Scope 3 emissions from sources like air travel, the College eventually needs to offset the remaining emissions.
“We will work with the Carbon Charge Working Group (CCWG) and other campus partners to develop a thoughtful approach to offsets to ensure positive impact and integrity, recognizing that there are many challenges with the voluntary carbon offset market, including the soundness of emissions reduction claims, greenwashing and lack of transparency,” Patapis said.
The Air Travel Carbon Fee collected from departments is part of the carbon offset program. According to the Office, only a portion of the flights charged are offset through Climate Vault, a 501(c)(3) organization, using these funds. While the college has not disclosed the annual funds collected or their allocations to the public, the Office of Sustainability plans to include Air Travel Carbon Fee numbers in their annual greenhouse gas inventory report.
“Currently, this information is [only] shared with financial managers so that they are informed about the number of flights taken in their departments and the corresponding fee. We are also evaluating our carbon offset strategy and developing a more comprehensive approach as we work toward carbon neutrality,” the Office of Sustainability writes to The Phoenix.
Whether through emissions reductions or carbon offsets, addressing Scope 3 emissions is a long-term effort for the college that requires not only collaboration with community members and offset organizations but also with other institutions. “Swarthmore’s carbon charge program is often used as a case study by other higher education institutions,” said Patapis, “I am part of two working groups that focus on carbon pricing with other colleges and universities to share what we are doing and learn about emerging strategies used by other institutions. Knowledge sharing is key to coalition building and supporting efforts to reduce emissions across U.S. campuses.”
When asked about the potential challenges brought on by the Trump administration’s stance on environmental protections, the Office emphasized that they are still determined to implement the 20X35 Plan. “While policy changes at the federal level could impact funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other measures that currently support this type of initiative, the College remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and implementing To Zero by Thirty-Five to transition our campus to geo-exchange,” Patapis noted.
