Description
The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) will be the first collider built in the 21st century — an era where climate change cannot be ignored. Throughout its construction, operation, and scientific lifestyle, the EIC will contribute significant carbon emissions to the atmosphere. These emissions do not outweigh the importance of the science that will be done by the collaboration, but it is crucial to limit them as much as possible. We introduce a comprehensive assessment of the EIC’s emission factors, including the materials and performance of the accelerator complex itself, as well as the computation and travel required by the EIC’s scientific community. The framework for the survey and preliminary emission estimates will be presented, with special emphasis placed on the largest emission sources. Identifying these hotspots, especially early in the EIC’s lifespan, allows us to suggest better sustainability practices for the facility and advocate for more environmentally conscious choices for the broader physics community.
