On the 11th of May 2023, a noteworthy collaboration between the Universities of Nicosia and Pittsburgh unfolded. This inter-institutional endeavor was driven by the need to assess the environmental impact of the supply chain. In particular, the focus of this cooperative exercise was to determine the CO2 equivalent emissions associated with the transportation sector, taking into consideration the overall “Well-To-Wake” impact, and examining -as a case study- the University of Pittsburgh students’ travel from Pittsburgh to Nicosia under the Global Semesters student exchange program. By quantifying the carbon footprint of this journey, the aim was to provide students with valuable insights into the environmental consequences of anthropogenic activities.
After an introductory lecture by Dr Elias Yfantis, coordinator of the Mechanical Engineering programme at UNIC, students from both universities were organized into six groups and worked on the modes of transportation, assumptions, key parameters, calculations, documentation, and final deliverables. On behalf of University of Nicosia, an international team has been formed with students from Cyprus, Greece, Russia, Cameroon, Sudan, and Italy.
The activity provided the students with a challenging environment and time constraints that would enable them to evaluate and refine their cooperative skills, analytical abilities, communication, and critical thinking. Quantification plays a vital role in helping scientist and engineers comprehend the scale of an event or phenomenon. Similarly, quantifying the CO2 emissions was essential for the students to grasp the magnitude of climate crisis global problem.
Overall, the experience left the students feeling energized and enriched, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. They were inspired to continue exploring and enhancing their soft skills, motivated by the insights gained during this collaborative endeavor. Eager to make a positive impact, they took the initiative to conduct additional research on renewable energy in their own time. Some of them were particularly drawn to volunteering opportunities. This collective experience left them empowered and motivated to continue their journey toward a sustainable future.