U Northampton Divests From Fossil Fuels
(U.K.) As part of the fossil free declaration, the university has updated its Responsible Investment Portfolio to exclude fossil fuel companies. The policy states that investment managers must consider "protection of the global environment, its climate and its biodiversity including, but not limited to, the reduction and future elimination of fossil fuel exploration and production".
U Notre Dame Announces $25M Compensation Commitment
The university's president recently announced a historic $25 million commitment to increase the base compensation for eligible hourly and salary university staff, faculty and student workers. Eligible faculty and staff will receive a three percent raise while staff hourly wages will be raised to a minimum of $17.50 per hour. Student hourly employees will be paid a starting wage of $15 per hour. About 6,000 employees will benefit from this commitment.
Illinois State U Releases Inaugural Sustainability Strategic Plan
The new plan outlines goals for the university, including creating more sustainability-related courses and research opportunities; prioritizing conservation and innovation for water, energy, and construction efforts; providing sustainable transportation incentives; and nurturing more leadership roles for students through campus and community partnerships.
13 U Health Systems Commit to Reduce GHG Emissions
Over 650 hospitals, 13 of which are university hospital systems, committed to the Biden-Harris Administration Health Sector Climate Pledge, which is a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2030. The signatories also pledge to strengthen resilience to climate change, protect public health and lower costs.
Dartmouth College B-School Receives $52M for Endowed Sustainability Summit
The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth recently received a $52.1 million anonymous pledge to endow a recurring summit that convenes global leaders from the private and public sectors, academic researchers and students with the goal of inspiring action to improve the health, wealth and sustainability of people and the planet in the 21st century. Summit topics will explore the intersecting roles of public policy, health care, climate change, politics and finance in addressing global challenges.
U Sherbrooke Achieves Carbon Neutrality
The university's recent carbon neutrality accomplishment was achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, then offsetting the remainder through certified carbon credits. The announcement comes eight years ahead of the university's carbon neutral goal.
Northwestern U Establishes Energy Investment Guidelines
The university announced in mid-June new investment guidelines regarding fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions and energy. The board of trustees directed the university's investment office to direct future investments in energy companies that produce alternative or responsible transition fuels with lower levels of GHG emissions; divest from direct holdings in companies identified as pursuing poor GHG emissions practices, energy production or climate change information and research; support investments in technologies that can accelerate the transition to carbon-free; and measure the endowment's carbon footprint.
U Illinois Chicago Receives $1.5M for Social Justice Initiative
The university's Portal Project, which launched in 2021 and focuses on abolition, economic democracy and climate justice, has received a $1.5 million grant from the Marguerite Casey Foundation. The grant will be used to expand its work at the intersection of social justice scholarship and social movements, culminating in a national conference and book publication.
WHO Working Group Calls for Climate Change Education for Health Professionals
The World Health Organization's Civil Society Working Group recently released a letter calling on universities and other education stakeholders to advance action on health and climate change. The letter underscores the importance of graduating health professionals being prepared to identify, prevent and respond to the health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. It offers calls to action, example courses and additional resources.
Concordia U invests $2M in Local Circular Economy Fund
The university's foundation recently announced a $2 million contribution to a Québec-based, circular economy initiative, launched in March 2021 by Fondaction, in partnership with the City of Montreal and Recyc-Québec. The fund aims to accelerate ecological transition through the circular economy, notably by reducing the production of residual materials and supporting their recovery, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
