U California Merced Earns STARS Platinum
Points of distinction in the University of California, Merced's recently published STARS report, earning the institution its inaugural STARS Platinum rating, include achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for scopes 1 and 2, and the completion of 11 campus facilities, each of which was certified to LEED Platinum standards.
Bowdoin College Releases Decarbonization Plan
The college's recently released clean-energy plan calls for investing a minimum of $100 million in campus infrastructure between now and 2037 with the goal of utilizing carbon-free clean energy by 2042. Additionally, the plan builds on existing academic, research, curriculum and career-training opportunities to advance student and faculty learning and innovation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.
U Maine to Divest From Fossil Fuel Holdings
In mid-May, the investment committee for the system's board of trustees approved a two-step plan to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2030—starting with the elimination of all direct fossil fuel holdings by the end of May.
U Manchester Divests From Fossil Fuels
(U.K.) The university's recently published Responsible Investment Report indicates that it is now divested from fossil fuel companies and has exceeded its target for reducing the carbon intensity of its other holdings.
U California Los Angeles Publishes Sustainability Plan
UCLA’s new sustainability plan, which includes input and feedback from more than 1,000 community members, includes specific initiatives related to sustainable transportation, climate, food systems, water and zero waste, among others. It highlights the intersections of planetary and human health, and begins the work to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and justice are integrated into campus sustainability policies and programs.
Stanford U Receives $1B for School of Sustainability
Stanford’s first new school in 70 years will launch this fall as the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, recognizing a $1.1 billion gift from John and Ann Doerr. The school will have academic departments that advance subject understanding, interdisciplinary institutes that innovate across fields, and an accelerator focused on developing near-term policy and technology solutions. (Image credit: Edward Caldwell)
