Delaware University: Global Warming
University signs commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - 05/05/07
Chancellor Robert Coombe has signed a commitment to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions at the University of Denver as part of an effort initiated by students at DU and hundreds of colleges across the nation to combat global warming.
As part of the commitment, the University plans to form a sustainability council this fall and complete an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions within a year.
"The DU community is concerned with global warming and vested in sustainability," Coombe says. "Universities should play an important role in building sustainability through continued efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
With Coombe's action, DU becomes one of 271 institutions thus far to sign the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). DU officials corresponded at length with ACUPCC before signing, working to ensure the nature and limits of DU's climate commitment were understood.
Signatories agree to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality; to inventory current greenhouse gas emissions and take steps to reduce them while longer-term plans are being developed; and to report progress to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
DU has already implemented a number of actions recommended by the climate commitment, says Coombe, including providing public transportation passes for students and employees; constructing LEED certified "green" facilities, purchasing renewable wind energy and reducing energy consumption.
