American College & University President's Climate Commitment

GHG Inventory | Climate Action Plan  

The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is an effort to help organize and support Colleges and Universities in the process of neutralizing their greenhouse gas emissions.

In November 2007, Yeshiva University's President Richard M. Joel signed the American College & Presidents Climate Commitment. As part of signing the commitment, the university pledged become carbon neutral. This involved:

• completing an annual emissions inventory
• establishing a climate neutrality action plan setting a target date and objectives to complete the task
• choosing short term actions to immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• integrating sustainability into the curriculum and making it part of the university experience

In January 2008, Yeshiva University committed to four short-term actions, including:

• an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy, requiring purchase of Energy Star certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist
• a waste minimization commitment, including participation in the RecycleMania competition, as well as adopting three or more associated measures to reduce waste
• a green building policy, requiring that all new campus construction be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent
• a public transportation commitment, to encourage the use of public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors

GHG Inventory

2010 GHG Inventory Report

In January of 2009, the Office of Energy & Sustainability began reporting the university's greenhouse gas inventory. After three years of reporting, the university has lowered its green house gas net emissions by 4.4% from its 2008 baseline year. The graph above divides the baseline emissions into Scope 1, 2 & 3. Scope 1 is reported as stationary combustion, fleet, & fugitive emissions, Scope 2 is purchased electricity & steam, and Scope 3 is commuting, air travel & solid waste. To see more detailed information about Yeshiva's GHG Inventory visit the ACUPCC Reporting System.

Climate Action Plan

Visit Yeshiva's Climate Action Plan published in May 2010 committing to cut emissions by 20% by 2020 and net-zero emissions by 2050.