The recession is not preventing progress at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (ACUPCC) and their effort to get our country’s campuses climate neutral. The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment just passed 600 partner institutions. New signatory institutions include Colgate University of upstate New York and Caldwell Community College in my native state of North Carolina. Of course, signing the commitment is only step one of a decades-long process to achieve climate neutrality. More difficult steps remain for many signatories — from pulling together a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for their campus to implementing policies and deploying technologies that cut each campus’s pollution.
Congratulations to AASHE and the ACUPCC for passing the 600-mark! And here’s to hundreds more institutions having the courage to join this list of aggressive climate mitigators. AASHE also deserves kudos for hosting another solid conference that provided information and skills for campus staff to achieve their sustainability goals. In mid-November, over 1,500 people converged in Raleigh, NC, for AASHE’s second national gathering, which showcased 400+ workshops and presentations on every greening topic you can imagine.
Bottom line: The recession can’t prevent great organizations like AASHE from making climate progress. The tough economy will slow down the deployment of solar and wind installations, but behavioral shifts toward a greener lifestyle (from increased walking and bicycling to thermostat moderation) can combine with more efficient buildings and appliances to continue the climate progress of the past few years.
Let’s make it happen!
Tags: AASHE, climate change, efficiency, Presidents Climate Commitment