University of Colorado, Boulder: Global Warming
CU Boulder Embarks On Ambitious Plan To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions - 02/21/07
In a move to reduce campus energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming, University of Colorado at Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson on Thursday will announce his signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.
Peterson will disclose the details of the commitment and CU-Boulder's sweeping new environmental initiative during opening remarks at the 2007 Rocky Mountain Sustainability Summit, a national environmental gathering that will take place on the campus Feb. 22-23. The event is coordinated by the CU Environmental Center and is sponsored by numerous regional and national organizations.
With the pledge, CU-Boulder joins 74 other U.S. colleges and universities that have committed to the reduction of greenhouse gases through short- and long-term initiatives. The pact's goal is for campuses to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the 21st century and to support the longer-range objective of "climate neutrality" or zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
"There is a spirit of innovation and resolve overtaking the nation that we can and must achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability in this century," Peterson said. "By signing this commitment, CU-Boulder takes the lead on creating a more efficient, environmentally aware campus and rises to the challenge of supporting an entire community with an increased awareness of the part we all play in creating a more sustainable world."
CU-Boulder's sustainability plan calls for an immediate, detailed inventory of its current carbon emissions and - within the next two years - an outline of practical strategies that will help the university reach its goals.
At the summit, Peterson will announce plans to earmark $250,000 annually starting this fiscal year for projects aimed at reducing campus energy use, especially electrical consumption. In the near future, the university may seek new funds or a reallocation of a portion of these funds for renewable energy production systems on properties on or close to the CU-Boulder campus.
