Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2024, the University of New Mexico (UNM) released its first Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory in a decade, offering a snapshot of the institution’s carbon footprint and signaling its commitment to environmental sustainability. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from human activities are the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20th century.

For the Main Campus footprint, Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions totaled 82,302 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (MTCO₂e). The largest source of emissions on UNM's Central Campus are the boilers and cogeneration units at the Ford Utilities Center.

Since Fiscal Year 2006, UNM’s Main Campus has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 11%, even as its building square footage increased. When measured by emissions per square foot, the campus achieved a 25% reduction, highlighting the impact of energy efficiency measures, LEED-certified building standards, and a reduction in carbon emissions from UNM’s purchased electricity from PNM. 

UNM Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Fiscal Years 2006–2024

This GHG inventory is one of the first measurement tools that is part of a process to develop a five-year UNM environmental sustainability plan, which is a major initiative of UNM 2040, specifically Goal 4: Sustainability.