Biosequestration at the University of Michigan: A Report Developed for and Supported by the U-M President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality

This report was compiled during the academic year of 2019-2020 for the University of Michigan (U-M) President's Commission on Carbon Neutrality by the Biosequestration Internal Analysis Team. The Biosequestration team defined its scope as having three overarching goals: 1) assessment of current U-M landholdings, 2) categorization of land use on U-M properties by estimation of carbon storage and biosequestration rates, and 3) evaluation of land-use changes, where possible, that would maximize biosequestration potential. Biosequestration is the process by which plants and other microorganisms capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through the team's data gathering process, they reviewed approaches of comparable institutions and discussed opportunities and potential barriers of different methods to increase biosequestration with internal and external stakeholders and experts.

In the report, the Biosequestration team evaluates and recommends approaches for optimizing biosequestration on land owned or managed by U-M with the goal of improved and sustainable carbon sequestration.

This publication is a result of work sponsored by the U-M President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality to inform the PCCN’s final recommendations to U-M President Mark Schlissel. This publication does not reflect Commission-level recommendations and should not be interpreted as being recommendations of the PCCN nor carrying its endorsement.