White Paper Gives Strategies for University CAPs
In the absence of nation-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction regulations, universities are on the forefront of the issue. Many dedicated to mitigating GHG emissions on their own campuses are initiating their efforts with the creation of a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to serve as the cornerstone of their commitment.
A new free white paper, "Striving for Climate Neutrality on Campus: 7 Steps to Writing a Climate Action Plan for a Reduced Carbon Footprint," details the key attributes required in a good CAP as well as outlines the steps necessary for University presidents, administrators, and sustainability program directors to follow in creating and implementing a successful CAP. The white paper is available for free download at: www.eheinc.com/7stepscap.htm. "There are a number of distinct elements required for the creation of a university- or college campus-based climate action plan. To be successful, the CAP itself must not only be consistent in its overall approach in addressing their specific needs and goals, but also flexible enough to allow institutions to adopt and benefit from best practice initiatives undertaken at other campuses," says Michael Crowley, M.S., LEED AP, author of the whitepaper, and the Pathways to Campus Sustainability Program Manager at EH&E. While CAPs must be tailored to the needs and opportunities of individual campuses, the whitepaper identifies and details the elements required for the successful implementation of a CAP at any campus. These include:
• Assemble a stakeholder-based committee to approach sustainability
• Develop a GHG inventory and conduct an energy analysis
• Prioritize GHG mitigation opportunities
• Set GHG reduction targets and develop a climate neutral strategy
• Conducting educational, research, community outreach efforts
• Identify and implement financing strategies
• Track progress and course-correct