University commits to emission reduction

In 2007, the University cemented its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by becoming a signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. 

The Climate Action Plan outlines the steps universities must take to achieve climate neutrality and impede global warming. The CAP institutes target dates and interim milestones for the affiliated universities to reach along the way.

The American College and University President’s Climate Commitment defines climate neutrality as having “no net greenhouse gas emissions, within a minimum scope of boundaries.” It includes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide.

The University began its affiliation with the ACUPCC almost three years ago.

“Father Peter signed the President’s Climate Commitment in fall 2007,” said John Olson, associate professor and assistant chair of the biology department. Olson also serves as the chair of the President’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. “The actual Climate Action Plan was begun in late 2008, and has involved several steps, including a Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory and preparation of the actual document. We met the deadline –– with approved extension –– of submitting by Jan. 15, 2010. The President’s Environmental Sustainability Committee –– or PESC –– has been involved in preparation of the CAP, along with significant input from Facilities Management, including significant contributions from Bob Morro, and an outside consulting firm, Stone House Group.”

The elements that comprise the President’s Climate Commitment include establishing an institutional structure, measuring greenhouse gas emissions, implementing tangible actions, creating a Climate Action Plan and reporting progress to be evaluated by the ACUPCC.

According to the ACUPCC, an institutional structure can take the form of committees, task forces or an appointed body of representatives to develop and implement a climate action plan within the University.

 “Members of the PESC were involved in preparing the CAP,” Olson said. “This involvement will continue as we now move forward to implement the CAP. I developed several subcommittees to facilitate that implementation and also to promote sustainability on campus in general.”

Tangible actions, as a part of the President’s Climate Commitment, are the efforts that are more apparent to the campus. New construction that promotes sustainability –– such as the renovations of Fedigan Hall –– and encouragement for students to utilize public transportation are both considered tangible actions.

“Among the steps to focus primarily on reducing emissions associated with campus mechanical and electrical systems on campus.” Olson said. “We also are exploring ways to increase the production of energy from renewable, climate-neutral sources such as solar. We will continue to assess ways to achieve our goals of reducing and then offsetting our remaining GHG emissions.”

According to the Climate Action Plan, the University intends to reach climate neutrality by the year 2050. To determine what the final date would be, the PESC referenced surrounding schools involved in the President’s Climate Commitment. Although it seems far away, the path to absolute climate neutrality is dotted with smaller objectives to reach along the way.

“We were informed in part by a benchmarking study of our peer institutions and others in the area,” Olson said. “We wanted to be realistic, but at the same time keep our eyes on the prize. There are milestones and we are committed to reducing our emissions by 24 percent by 2025. That may not sound like much but must be viewed with the understanding that this will be despite growth on campus associated with the Campus Master Plan, including new dorms and other buildings.”

According to Olson, the Climate Action Plan must be both clear and definite in its goals and flexible and able to adapt with time and new innovations and discoveries in technology that will undoubtedly occur throughout the process.