How U.S. Universities Intend to Meet Their Carbon Neutral Goals

Universities have been on the leading edge for implementation of sustainable practices, green building certification, and the push to limit emission of greenhouse gases. In 2006 leadership at twelve universities was instrumental in the creation of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPcC). The two overall goals of the ACUPCC were to gain university commitment to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from their campus operations and to promote sustainability education and research. A decade later there are over 650 that have officially pledged their support to the ACUPCC and in doing so have established a goal toward carbon neutrality for their university. This study examines university carbon neutrality objectives and the strategies being employed to reach their carbon neutral goals. The population for this research effort is universities that are signatory to the ACUPCC. The findings are that university carbon neutral objectives are typically almost three decades into the future. Mitigation strategies to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions typically have low initial investment requirements and relatively quick payback. The focus of mitigation strategies includes new facilities, renovated, and exiting building stock on campus. To reach their carbon neutrality objectives the university's energy source(s) will shift from fossil fuels to renewables. In addition, Universities do not intend to rely on carbon offsets to reach their carbon neutral objectives.