U Arkansas System to Complete 77 MW Photovoltaic Agreement
The university system is currently implementing a 25-year fixed-rate energy agreement spanning more than 20 photovoltaic power plants totalling 77 megawatts. The solar systems will all be online in 2026. Photo credit: ©2026 University of Arkansas, UREL
Trinity College Dublin Endorses 'Fossil Fuel Treaty'
The recently signed treaty has three principles: end the expansion of coal, oil and gas production ("non-proliferation"); adopt renewable energy and economic diversification away from fossil fuels ("just transition"); and ensure an equitable plan for the wind down of existing fossil fuel production ("fair phase-out").
QUNSD Publishes Scope 3 Quantification Guide
The recently published methodological guide from the Quebec University Network for Sustainable Development (Le Réseau universitaire québécois en développement durable) aims to share knowledge and expertise in emission accounting methods for Scope 3 emissions.
U Minnesota Releases 'Carbon Credits for Food Recovery' Guide
The newly published, open-access guide from the university's Institute on the Environment shares findings from a two-year effort exploring opportunities for food recovery carbon credit programs to incentivize carbon emission reductions in Minnesota. It features a case study based on Carleton College's offset program with the Community Action Center-Northfield.
Mountain Empire CC Completes 767 KW Solar System
The community college recently completed a 767-kilowatt photovoltaic system at no capital cost through a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA). The solar panels were installed atop four buildings on campus. During the PPA period, the college expects to save approximately $622,000 in net avoided costs for electricity.
U Denver Completes 3.28 MW Solar Project
The university recently announced the completion of an off-site 3.28-megawatt photovoltaic project. The university receives bill credits for the virtually net-metered energy. The project is part of a 27-megawatt solar portfolio supporting the university's progress toward achieving carbon neutrality.
U North Carolina Greensboro Partners on 20 KW Solar Array
The university's new 20-kilowatt solar array provides hands-on STEM education to Middle College at UNCG, a school that provides career-based pathways and college credit to students. The project was funded through a North Carolina initiative by NC GreenPower.
U Sydney Publishes Nature-Related Financial Disclosure
The university's new, voluntary financial disclosure focuses on the university's dependencies and impacts on nature across more than 12,000 hectares (29,652 acres) that include campuses, farms and field stations. The nature-positive assessment demonstrates how nature can be embedded in decision-making, investment planning and long-term strategy.
Brock U Begins $100M Decarbonization Initiative
The university recently launched a three-year clean infrastructure program that is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 83 percent by 2028. The initiative includes converting lights to LEDs, installing new efficient hot water heat pumps, optimizing building automation system controls, upgrading air handling units and fume hoods, and more.
U Pacific Sources 100% Renewable Electricity
Renewable energy sources now provide 100 percent of the electricity needs across all three of the university's campuses. Hydroelectric and solar power provides most of the electricity on the three northern California campuses, with additional power from geothermal and wind sources.
NYS Announces $200M for Thermal Energy at Three SUNY Universities
The New York State (NYS) governor announced in mid-September that SUNY Purchase will receive $50 million to design and construct phase one of a thermal energy network with plans for future ground-source heating and cooling systems; University at Buffalo will receive $68 million to decarbonize the central utility plant, create energy hubs and thermal energy networks and build ground-source heating and cooling systems; and Stony Brook University is allocated $22 million to design and construct thermal energy systems at two buildings on campus.
U Sydney Releases Climate-Related Financial Disclosure
(Australia) The recently published report applies climate scenarios to assess physical and transition climate risks, and outlines how climate considerations are being integrated into institutional strategy, governance and financial planning. The report also details progress against net zero targets, scenario modelling, and early initiatives to embed climate considerations into asset management, adaptation planning and research investment.
Utah State U to Add 1 MW Solar Electricity
The university recently announced additions to its solar electricity portfolio that include a 500-kilowatt array on an indoor practice facility, more than 200 kilowatts on its equine center, a nearly 200-kilowatt array at its dairy facility, and more than 150 kilowatts to be added to the existing 180-kilowatt system on a parking structure.
U Guelph Divest From Fossil Fuels
The university recently completed its divestment from fossil fuel companies in its endowment portfolio, fulfilling a five-year, fossil-free divestment goal that began in April 2020. It achieved a 74 percent reduction in the weighted average carbon intensity of its investment portfolio since it began tracking this metric in 2018.
