Emissions Overview

The State of Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals are to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. Mines aligns its goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions with the state goals.  A large source of campus greenhouse gas emissions comes from lighting and heating buildings. As of 2024, Mines reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 45% for scope 1 and 2 emissions (purchased electricity and natural gas) compared to 2019 data and 70% per user when growth in building square footage was factored in along with an increase in the number of students, faculty, and staff. Measures that contributed to the reduction in emissions are more than 1.5 megawatts of installed solar energy systems, new geothermal heating and cooling systems, robust energy efficiency programs, and green buildings that are certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficient design and construction. Emissions increased in 2025 due to more buildings coming online and more students in the new Mines Park development.

Charts below show emissions from scope 1 & 2 (electricity and natural gas) and scope 3 estimates. Mines uses fiscal years that begin in July and end in June.  Gross Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: 18,092.95 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent (net emissions were 18,086.85 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent after factoring in carbon sink from composting soil used at greenhouse.)

In our 2024 report to AASHE, Mines provided estimates for key scope 3 emissions categories using the GHG Protocol’s guide for estimating scope 3 emissions from the supply chain. Total Scope 3 GHG emissions: 7,052 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

Avoided Emissions from Electric Vehicles

EV charging stations at Mines have also helped to reduce emissions by contributing to avoided emissions. To date, Mines EV charging stations avoided 177,650 kg greenhouse gas emissions. 

Mines has 40 EV ports available on campus with an average 150 unique drivers (110 for July and nearly 200 in November 2025).