123 PCC Signatory Institutions, UT Austin Complete Public GHG Report
123 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin . The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. In related news, the University of Texas at Austin has also published a greenhouse gas inventory.
Inside Higher Ed Covers Sustainability in Study Abroad
Inside Higher Ed has published an article on higher education initiatives that aim to make studying abroad more sustainable. The article discusses a report submitted to NAFSA: Association of International Educators by a national task force on environmental sustainability in study abroad, new sustainability standards being proposed as additions to the Forum on Education Abroad's Standards of Good Practice, and the Green Passport Program, a new social networking site that aims to raise student awareness of their ecological and social impacts abroad. Higher education institutions highlighted include Augsburg College (MN); Marlboro College (VT); Warren Wilson College (NC); University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Middlebury College (VT); and Willamette University (OR).
U Michigan Student Starts Blog on Personal Carbon Cutting Experiences
A University of Michigan student is attempting to cut his carbon footprint in half and has started a blog on his experiences. "Going Green: Cutting Environmental Impact on Campus" seeks to answer questions such as "what ways can I reduce my carbon footprint that are easy and effective?" and "given the tight budget of the average college student, what are the cheapest ways to do it?" The blog, which is hosted by Fox News, will also feature videos, tips, and how-tos for readers who want to go green.
9 New Institutions Sign Presidents' Climate Commitment
9 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Dr. Jake B. Schrum of Southwestern University (TX), Dr. David R. Smith of the State University of New York Medical Center, Dr. Alan R. Davis of the State University of New York, Empire State College, Dr. William Hartley of Anaheim University (CA), Dr. Paulette Perfumo of Pasadena City College (CA), Richard Berman of Manhattanville College (NY), Bonnie Laing-Malcolmson of Oregon College of Art & Craft, George C. Bradley of Paine College (GA), and Dr. Raul Rodriguez of San Joaquin Delta College (CA). 616 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
UBC, UCSD Partner to Reduce Emissions with Green IT
The University of British Columbia, the University of California, San Diego, and Prompt, Inc, a non-profit corporation that fosters research and development, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their campuses while developing information technology that improves energy efficiency and reduces the impact of emissions on climate change. The MOU stipulates that signatories will explore a system whereby “carbon offsets earned through a variety of GHG reduction mechanisms” would be traded between participating institutions in exchange for access to cyber-infrastructure resources, including, for example, grid computational cycles, wide area network bandwidth, other virtual services and even research funding. The initial collaboration focuses on university emissions, but signatories believe it will set the stage for longer-term initiatives that will have an impact well beyond their campuses.
Yale U School Purchases Carbon Offsets
The Yale University (CT) School of Forestry and Environmental Studies has purchased carbon offsets to compensate for the air miles traveled by FES students on school-related trips in 2008. The offsets purchased will fund two carbon offset projects: a Pennsylvania family farm that captures methane gas released by manure, and uses it to generate electricity and heat and a New York landfill that traps and destroys methane gas. The two projects will compensate for 1.25 million pounds of carbon dioxide.
8 New Institutions Sign Presidents' Climate Commitment
8 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: John Quistgaard of Bemidji State University (MN), Wellington Reiter of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (IL), John Erwin of Illinois Central College, Henry D. Shannon of Chaffey Community College (CA), Dr. Shirley Mullen of Houghton College (NY), Gwendolyn W. Stephenson of Hillsborough Community College (FL), Bryan D. Albrecht of Gateway Technical College (WI), and Dr. Constance Mierendorf of Sussex County Community College (NJ). 607 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
Princeton Alumni Climate Effort Receives 100 Endorsers
The Princeton University (NJ) Sustainable Energy Transition has begun the Princeton Alumni Climate Effort. The project aimed to reach, and has attained, 100 endorsers from 30 classes who agree to encourage their alma mater to become a leader in climate change practice. After going live in early October, the Princeton Alumni for Climate Excellence (PACE) campaign has connected with alumni over email, on Facebook, and at alumni events in New York City. The statement signed by over 100 alumni calls on the University to aim for climate neutrality in its campus operations by 2030.
Presidents Climate Commitment Passes 600 Signatories
16 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Gary Forsee of the University of Missouri, Roger G. Brown of the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, Rebecca Chopp of Colgate University (NY), Kevin Wildes of Loyola University , New Orleans (LA), Danielle N. Ripich of the University of New England (ME), John P. Minahan of Western Oregon University, Lisa Marsh Ryerson of Wells College (NY), Roy C. Hudson of Mississippi Valley State University, Jesse W. Rogers of Midwestern State University (TX), Leonard Schlesinger of Babson College (MA), Marcia Pfeiffer if St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley (MO), Jeanne Swarthout of Northland Pioneer College (AZ), Thomas Chema of Hiram College (OH), Andrea Lee of College of St. Catherine (MN), Thomas Keegan of Peninsula College (WA), and Kenneth A. Boham of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (NC). 602 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
Pace U to Reduce Emissions by 30%, Announces Climate Change Track in LLM
Pace University has accepted New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s challenge to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent within the next ten years. As a 2030 Challenge Partner under the City’s PlaNYC initiative, Pace University will conduct comprehensive carbon inventories on all its campuses, devise a plan to attain the reductions, and begin implementing and supplementing measures to reduce its carbon footprint. Pace has also announced plans to launch a climate change track in its Master's of Environmental Law curriculum. The new track will be available to students in the spring of 2009 and will provide students the opportunity to focus their studies on climate topics such as eco-markets and trading, climate and insurance, disaster management, and coastal adaptive management. Pace has also joined the Clinton Climate Initiative, a program that helps implement large scale energy saving building retrofits.
Over 200 Campuses Submit Public GHG Reports
Over 200 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories through the ACUPCC's online reporting system. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment, and is due within a year of signing. Signatories reported on emissions from on-site combustion, mobile combustion (fleet), purchased electricity, student, faculty and staff commuting, and institution-funded air travel, among other things. Over the next year, these signatories will work to create a plan for reducing their emissions.
Suffolk U Law School Joins Climate Challenge
The Suffolk University (MA) Law School has joined the American Bar Association-Environmental Protection Agency Law Office Climate Challenge. The program, which has over 100 participants, is open to law offices and law-related entities that adopt best practices for office paper management or participate in one or more of three EPA voluntary partnership programs. The Climate Challenge is designed to encourage the conservation of energy and resources, as well as to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Suffolk's Law School is the third in the country to participate in the program.
3 BC Campuses Pilot Beyond Climate Neutral Initiative
The University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and Thomson Rivers University have begun piloting the "goBEYOND" Initiative before it expands to other B.C. institutions in 2009. Funded by the B.C. government and B.C. Hydro, the program will engage students through lectures, workshops, presentations, and challenges to take climate action -- as individuals, on campus, and in their community. The program plans to launch a website that will offer students training and tools to reduce their emi
RMI Announces 'Campus Climate-Change Initiatives' Winners
The Rocky Mountain Institute has invited 12 U.S. campuses to host a two-day site visit by RMI this fall and later to collaborate with each other, RMI and AASHE in a workshop to reduce the barriers to becoming a carbon neutral campus. Participating institutions, which had to apply to be invited, include Harford Community College (MD), Richland College (TX), Lakeshore Technical College (WI), the University of Minnesota, Morris, Furman University (SC), Unity College (ME), Luther College (IA), Colorado State University,the University of Vermont, the University of Missouri, Tufts University (MA), and Yale University (CT).
New Campuses Make Climate Commitments
17 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Al Bowman of Illinois State University, Jay Gouge of Auburn University (AL), Brian W. Casey of De Pauw University (IN), Larry L. Earvin of Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Dr. Bruce Leslie of the Alamo Community Colleges System (TX), Dr. Jackie Claunch of Northwest Vista College (TX), Dr. Ana Guzman of Palo Alto College (TX), Dr. Adena Loston of St. Philip’s College (TX), Dr. Eric Reno of Northeast Lakeview College (TX), Dr. Robert Zeigler of San Antonio College (TX), Betsy Boze of Kent State University Stark Campus (OH), David Beyer of Everett Community College (WA), Felix A. Zamora of Mountain View College (TX), Gregory DeCinque of Jamestown Community College (NY), Ronald H. LaFayette of North Seattle Community College (WA), Kathleen Nelson of Lake Superior College (MN), and Cheryl Frank of Inver Hills Community College (MN). 582 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment. Dartmouth College (NH) has also made a climate commitment. Dartmouth President James Wright has announced that the College will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2015, 25 percent by 2020, and 30 percent by 2030. At each milestone, the goal for the upcoming milestone will be reviewed and made more aggressive if possible. Additionally, The Dartmouth Board of Trustees has approved a $12.5 million investment to improve the energy efficiency of current facilities.
3 Campus Laundry Facilities Go Carbon Neutral
Keene State College (NH), Salisbury University (MD), and Stonehill College (MA) are all participating in Mac-Gray Campus Solutions' new "Lighten the Load" program to operate carbon neutral laundry rooms. Mac-Gray Campus Solutions, a contract operator of card- and coin-operated laundry facilities in college and university residence halls, has announced a partnership with Carbonfund.org aimed at making its college and university accounts carbon neutral. The "Lighten the Load' program is offered to all of Ma
Colorado State U to be Carbon Neutral by 2020
Colorado State University has announced the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2020 without the use of carbon credits. The University plans to reach its goal by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions through conservation and alternative energy sources. The University has already begun a carbon footprint assessment and plans to spend the next three years placing an emphasis on conservation.
U Maryland College Park GHG Report
The University of Maryland, College Park has released its inaugural inventory of campus greenhouse gas emissions. In Fiscal Year 2007, the University emitted 352,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. The major sources of campus emissions were from the electricity and steam produced by the campus co-generation plant (38%), purchased electricity (25%), and transportation including the daily commuting of the campus community (19%), air travel (13%), and the University fleet including the campus shuttle bus system (2%). Total emissions during the 2002-2007 study period decreased slightly, despite campus growth, due to the installation of a combined heat and power plant, which began operating in FY 2004, and greater on- and near-campus student housing. Work will soon begin on the FY 2008 GHG inventory.
13 New Campuses Sign Presidents' Climate Commitment
13 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: E. Gordon Gee of Ohio State University, Barbara Snyder of Case Western Reserve University (OH), Bob Kerrey of The New School (NY), David B. Ashley of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, James R. Ramsey of the University of Louisville (KY), Steven G. Poskanzer of the State University of New York at New Paltz, Joseph L. Kennedy of the State University of New York at Canton, Dennis Dease of the University of St. Thomas (MN), Oscar C. Page of Austin College (TX), John W. Byrd of Simpson College (IA), Michael Alexander of Lasell College (MA), Gary Tollefson of Skagit Valley College (WA), and Judith Cardenas of Lansing Community College (MI). 565 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
Harvard Aims to Reduce GHG Emissions 30% by 2016
Harvard University has released the report of its Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. In the report, the task force, appointed by President Drew Faust in February, proposes elements of a framework for much-intensified efforts to reduce the University's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability. In a statement following the release of the report, President Faust outlined a set of substantive intentions and procedural next steps drawing on the report's analysis and proposals. As an initial short-term goal, Harvard will aim to reduce its GHG emissions, including those associated with prospective growth, by 30 percent - relative to its 2006 baseline - by 2016, as the task force recommended.
Champlain College GHG Report
Champlain College (VT) has released the first phase of its "Carbon Profile Assessment Results." The study shows that in 2007, the College emitted 5,237 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or 2.7 tons per full-time student. The study inventoried emissions related to facility heating, electricity purchases, student, faculty, and staff commuting, college fleet fuel usage, class field trips, travel to conferences and student recreational trips, travel from student hometowns to campus, travel to study abroad locati
GWU Law School Joins 'Law Office Climate Challenge'
The George Washington University (D.C.) Law School has become the first law school to participate in the "Law Office Climate Challenge", an initiative created by the American Bar Association and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote environmental sustainability. GW's Law School is meeting the challenge by participating in the "Best Practices for Office Paper Management" program. It now uses 30 percent recycled content paper for copying and printing, has requested its staff to use double-sided cop
U Minnesota, Morris Alumni Assoc to Purchase Carbon Credits
The University of Minnesota, Morris Alumni Association Board of Directors has designated funding from the UMMAA Impact Fund for carbon credit purchases to offset carbon emissions produced by UMM’s campus service fleet, a significant percentage of which are hybrids. The University hopes to generate its own carbon credits in the future.
U Texas at Arlington GHG Report
The University of Texas at Arlington has released a draft report of its first carbon footprint analysis. The report has been prepared for the President’s Sustainability Committee by an interdisciplinary student/faculty team through a summer course in the School of Urban and Public Affairs. It characterizes the university’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2005, forecasts emissions in 2010 and 2020, then proposes a framework for setting reduction targets and develops reduction scenarios based on those targets. The report, produced in a very short time frame, is being issued in draft form so that members of the committee and other interested parties can participate in reviewing it. Comments are invited.
Appalachian State U Launches Carbon Neutral Study Abroad Program
Appalachian State University (NC) has designed its first carbon neutral study abroad program. The first program, which will take students to New Zealand for one month this summer, requires the eighteen students and five professors to plant trees in New Zealand and to purchase green power both at home and abroad to completely offset the expected 73 tons of carbon dioxide associated with their air and ground travel. The month-long trip cost the group $782 to offset their travel emissions.
San Francisco State U Completes GHG Inventory
San Francisco State University (CA) has completed its first greenhouse gas inventory, which reports 1990 – 2006 emissions. The inventory calculates emissions from purchased electricity, natural gas, air travel, university fleet, commuter transportation, and solid waste. It also calculates sequestration from composting. The report found that, in 2006, the campus emitted 61,184 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, a 47 percent increase from 1990. The campus plans to spend this summer and next year developing a Sustainability Action Plan.
Middlebury College Offers Green Study Abroad Incentives
Middlebury College (VT) recently awarded its first-ever sustainable study abroad grants to assist students with research and projects related to sustainability while abroad. Other resources available to help students have a greener study abroad experience include: A “Going Green” guide for directors of the Middlebury Schools Abroad with guidance for greening the office and facilities, environmental programming, and other sustainability activities; the “Green Passport” program which helps students keep track of their actions while abroad within suggested guidelines for responsible travel; a carbon offset program to help students reduce the impact of their energy use while abroad; and a list of sustainable travel resources including a sustainable travel checklist that considers things like the travel provider’s environmental policy and whether the provider supports environmental issues in the place being visited.
Stetson U Students Perform GHG Inventory
A Stetson University (FL) Environmental Science class recently completed a survey of the University's carbon emissions footprint. The students followed the Clean Air-Cool Planet Model, and assessed carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide, but did not assess chlorofluorocarbons because data was not available during the audit.
7 Campuses Become Founding Reporters in The Climate Registry
Cornell University (NY), Syracuse University (NY), University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Davidson College (NC), Saint Olaf College (MN), Northland College (WI), and Vermont Technical College have all signed up to be "Founding Reporters" in The Climate Registry, a non-profit organization established to measure and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate, and transparent manner consistent across industry sectors. By joining the group, the campuses have voluntarily committed to measure, indep
Presidents Climate Commitment Reaches All 50 States
With recent signings from college and university presidents in Mississippi, Nebraska, and the District of Columbia, the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment now has signatories in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 20 institutions have signed the Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Robert C. Khayat of the University of Mississippi, Martha Dunagin Saunders of the University of Southern Mississippi, Brian L. Friedrich of Concordia University (NE), Steven Knapp of George Washington University (DC), Cornelius M. Kerwin of American University (DC), Michael K. Young of the University of Utah, Kenneth E. Peacock of Appalachian State University (NC), Ann Weaver Hart of Temple University (PA), Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet of Antioch University Seattle (WA), Gerald Pumphrey of South Puget Sound Community College (WA), Thomas Hellie of Linfield College (OR), Roy Nirschel of Roger Williams University (RI), Phoebe K. Helm of Hartnell College (CA), Jack Oharah of Edmonds Community College (WA), Juan R. Olivarez of Grand Rapids Community College (MI), Roy A. Church of Lorain County Community College (OH), Cliff L. Wood of Rockland Community College (NY), Carl E. Haynes of Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY), Sandra Kurtinitisof the Community College of Baltimore County (MD), and William G. Ingram of Durham Technical Community College (NC). 539 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
U Delaware to Conduct GHG Inventory, Unveils Sustainability Website
The University of Delaware recently announced that it will conduct a greenhouse gas inventory as part of its new commitment to sustainability on campus. The study, which will be lead by the Director of the University's Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, will be supported by the UD Class of 2008, which has chosen to support the initiative with its senior class gift. UD is also launching a campus sustainability website, which will provide information on current research and campus sustainability events.
Unity College Pledges to Purchase Local Carbon Emission Reductions
Unity College (ME) and the Maine State Housing Authority, also known as MaineHousing, recently completed an agreement which states that the College will purchase carbon emission reductions derived from MaineHousing's energy efficiency programs. MaineHousing will use the funds it receives to create additional affordable, environmentally sound, and energy efficient housing.
NWF 'Chill Out' Contest Winners Announced
The National Wildlife Federation has announced the winners of its 2008 Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming national competition. The program honors U.S. schools that are show leadership in addressing global warming and do so in a creative manner. Butte College (CA) was named the Grand Prize winner for employing energy efficiency measures in all campus facilities. Butte also runs the largest community college transportation system in California, recycles more than 75 percent of its operations waste stream, and has a solar array that generates for 28% of the campus' electricity use. Other campus winners include the University of Missouri in the Energy Efficiency category, University of Montana, Missoula in the Transportation category, and Cascadia Community College (WA) and University of Washington in the "Habitat Restoration, Waste Reduction, Educational Awareness and More" category. Berea College (KY) and Daemen College (NY) were the YouTube Video Winners.
British Columbia University Presidents Sign Climate Action Statement
University presidents from across British Columbia have signed a Climate Change Statement of Action committing their institutions to a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The statement of action commits each university to initiate a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gases by creating a planning body that includes students, staff, researchers, administrators and other partners. Within one year, each institution will have a complete inventory of greenhouse gas emissions on campus and within two years, targets will be set and strategies will be put in place to achieve the targets. All action plans, inventories, and progress reports will be made publicly available. BC’s university presidents will be inviting other post secondary institutions across British Columbia and Canada to join them in signing the Statement of Action.
Business Officer Magazine Covers President's Climate Commitment
The National Association of College and University Business Officers' February Business Officer Magazine features an article urging college and university presidents to sign the American College and University President's Climate Commitment. The article includes ideas on how to fund the commitment, reduce the campus carbon footprint, and convince students, faculty, and staff to participate.
Michigan State U, U Iowa Partner in Chicago Climate Xchge
Michigan State University and the University of Iowa have agreed to a partnership involving the transaction of carbon credits through the Chicago Climate Exchange program. MSU has agreed to purchase 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide credits from UI in order to meet the requirements of 2007, its first membership compliance year. Next year, MSU hopes to increase the use of alternative fuels so that purchasing additional credits will be less of a necessity. In 2007, UI accumulated excess credits by burning oat hulls, a byproduct of Quaker Oats, instead of coal.
Harvard To Create Climate Task Force
Harvard University (MA) recently announced that President Drew G. Faust will soon appoint a task force to study how to reduce the University's greenhouse gas emissions. The recommendations of the task force will form the basis of a commitment to reduce emissions that will be unveiled in June 2008.
Metropolis Magazine Covers Carbon Neutral Campus Efforts
Metropolis Magazine published an article in its February issue entitled "Carbon Neutral U" which highlights growing efforts by colleges and universities to reduce their carbon emissions. The article notes that "higher education has emerged as a thrilling proving ground for a sustainable society" and describes the activities of the Ivy Plus Sustainability Working Group.
U Buffalo Releases Climate Action Report
The University at Buffalo Green Office recently released the UB Green Climate Action Report, a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory and set of recommendations for how the University can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and move towards climate neutrality. UB found that the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions on campus are building energy use and transportation. The report recommends that the campus increase renewable energy purchases, maximize energy efficiency in new buildings and renovations, advocate for a better mass transit system, and increase carpooling.
U System Maryland Launches Sustainability Initiative
The University System of Maryland has launched a new initiative to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices across the system's universities, research institutions, and regional higher education centers. Goals of the initiative include reducing energy consumption system-wide by 15 percent and greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020, conducting audits of greenhouse gas emission for all USM institutions and using best practices to reduce these emissions, and developing a system-wide strategy for campus sustainability and energy efficiency, including green building guidelines and sustainability benchmarks for all new construction and major facility renovations. The chancellor's Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Initiative will focus on developing policies, practices, and programs to support these goals.
19 New Campuses Sign Presidents Climate Commitment
19 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: James L. Oblinger of North Carolina State University, Geoffrey Gamble of Montana State University, Richard I. Gouse of New England Institute of Technology (RI), Gretchen M. Bataille of University of North Texas, Brian C. Mitchell of Bucknell University (PA), Robert Weisbuch of Drew University (NJ), Michael J. Graham of Xavier University (OH), Charles M. Edmondson of Alfred University (NY), David S. Wolk of Castleton State College (VT), Chui L. Tsang of Santa Monica College (CA), P. George Benson of College of Charleston (SC), Maria Klawe of Harvey Mudd College (CA), Benjamin B. Dunlap of Wofford College (SC), David J. Ramsay of University of Maryland at Baltimore, Jennie C. Hunter-Cevera of University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, James Collins of Loras College (IA), Sean A. Fanelli of Nassau Community College (NY), Patricia C. Donohue of Mercer County Community College (NJ), and Joseph T. Barwick of Carteret Community College (NC). 492 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
U Colorado Boulder Students to Purchase Local Offsets
University of Colorado at Boulder students have switched from purchasing wind energy credits to purchasing all locally-generated offsets to mitigate a portion of campus carbon emissions. The offsets are being purchased through Colorado Governor Bill Ritter's "Colorado Carbon Fund" program. The $50,000 of student funding will support Colorado projects that fight climate change while increasing economic prosperity, assisting local communities and creating service learning opportunities for students.
U Saskatchewan Completes GHG Inventory
The University of Saskatchewan recently completed its greenhouse gas inventory, which was initiated to establish a baseline total for campus GHG emissions. The survey found that the University's 2006 CO2 emissions amounted to 198,000 tons, which is up 4.5% since 1990. The report also found that, at 80% of the total, purchased electricity was the largest source of GHGs.
UT Architecture College Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2010
The College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has committed to make its own building as well as all its studio projects more environmentally friendly. By a unanimous vote of the faculty, the college has adopted a plan to achieve a carbon-neutral design community and include the elimination or reduction of the need for fossil fuel as a central tenet in its design education. This plan is part of the 2010 Imperative, a challenge issued to colleges of design across the U.S. to incorporate environmental principles by 2010. Strategies involving waterless plumbing fixtures and occupancy sensors for lights already are being implemented. Future plans include the purchase of carbon offsets and potential LEED Existing Building certification.
Brown U Announces GHG Emissions Reduction Plan
Brown University (RI) has announced a plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 42% below 2007 levels for all existing buildings by 2020. Brown also promised to reduce energy consumption up to 50% for all newly constructed and acquired facilities. The university plans to achieve these goals through initiatives such as switching the fuel that powers the central heating plan to cleaner natural gas when available, implementing new lighting technologies, improving the energy efficiencies of buildings, increasing co-generation of electricity, and using renewable energy sources where appropriate.
Yale Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 17%
Yale University (CT) recently announced that it has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 17%, or 43,000 metric tons, since 2005. In 2005, Yale committed to cut its GHG emissions to 10% below the University's 1990 levels by 2020. Yale's strategy to shrink its carbon footprint calls for a mix of conservation measures, the use of renewable energy on campus, and direct participation in carbon offset projects. Yale has achieved its current reduction through projects and policies including the installation of more efficient heating and cooling systems in 90 buildings, new automatic controls for heating, cooling and lighting, the replacement of windows, new and modified power plant equipment, achieving LEED Silver or better certification for all new buildings and major renovations, the use of ground water for cooling, and a 10% yearly reduction in electricity consumption by students in Yale's undergraduate residential colleges.
19 New Campuses Sign Presidents Climate Commitment
19 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Michael Collins of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Michael S. Roth of Wesleyan University (CT), Charles E. Kupchella of the University of North Dakota, Leon Botstein of Bard College (NY), Daniel Weiss of Lafayette College (PA), Bruce Grube of Georgia Southern University, Thomas Cole of the University of Massachusetts at Worcester, Robert Bogomolny of the University of Baltimore (MD), Mickey L. Burnim of Bowie State University (MD), John E. Schwaller of the State University of New York - Potsdam, Jeffrey von Arx of Fairfield University (CT), Donald F. Boesch of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, R. Mark Sullivan of College of Saint Rose (NY), James La Calle of Harford Community College (MD), Richard F. Giese of Mount Union College (OH), Charles L. Shearer of Transylvania University (KY), Thelma B. Thompson of the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Randall R. Miller of Lake Michigan College (MI), and Rose B. Bellanca of St. Clair County Community College (MI). 468 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
UC San Diego Joins Chicago Climate Exchange
The University of California, San Diego has joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary, legally binding program for reducing and trading greenhouse gas. UC San Diego is the first university on the west coast to join and is the seventh campus member in the US. UC San Diego expects that it will be able to cut its emissions below the limit and sell the surplus credits.
College of the Atlantic Achieves Carbon Neutrality
As of December 19, 2007, College of the Atlantic (ME) has fulfilled its net-zero pledge to become carbon neutral. The College has offset the entirety of its carbon output over the past 15 months. The College has also taken reduce its carbon emissions, including a comprehensive energy audit and extensive work to improve energy efficiency in all buildings. Where possible, incandescent lightbulbs have been replaced with compact fluorescents. Alternative commuting methods, such as carpooling and biking, have been promoted, as have flexible work plans so employees can work from home. In addition, the College is obtaining all of its electricity through a low-impact hydroelectric generator in Maine.
