HKUST Adopts ESG Investment Policy

(Hong Kong) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) pledged to eliminate investments in fossil fuels through a newly adopted environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) investment strategy, consistent with the scientific consensus on climate change and the goals of the Paris Agreement. By 2030, 100 percent of in-scope assets will be invested in companies that have adopted science-based targets.

U College Cork to Go Plastic Free

In 2023, the university will eliminate all single-use plastic in its operation throughout campus dining, shops and vending machines.

AASHE Announces 2022 Sustainability Award Winners

AASHE recently celebrated 12 winners selected from over 430 applications submitted into the 2022 Sustainability Awards program. Dr. Robert D. Bullard was selected as the fifth Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and the University of Oregon was recognized as the second winner of the Racial Equity and Sustainability Collaborations Award. Other categories of winners include Campus Sustainability Achievement (three winners), Student Sustainability Leadership (one winner), and Campus Sustainability Research (six winners). Thank you to the 40 judges who selected this year’s winners.

U Pennsylvania Schools Publish Climate Commitments

Announced at the U.N. COP27, each of the 12 schools of the university adopted climate commitments that spotlight courses and research in the school, while illuminating the industry outcomes as a result of emphasizing climate action.

Lewis & Clark College, Arizona State U & Chatham U Commit to Sustainable Retirement Plan

In mid-September, the Intentional Endowment Network's Sustainable Retirement Pledge was adopted by Arizona State University, the ASU Foundation, Chatham University, and Lewis & Clark College, which commits signatories to offering university employees a range of sustainable investing retirement fund options that consider ESG factors, while reducing risk, protecting capital and enhancing financial returns.

U Wisconsin Milwaukee Releases Climate Action Plan

The university's new Climate Action, Carbon and Resiliency Plan goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. To integrate teaching, learning experiences and research, the plan calls for the establishment of the Institute of Climate Resilience.

U Victoria Publishes Sustainability Plan

The university's new Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 2030 is comprised of an overall strategy and an associated action plan. The plan outlines commitments and actions by setting three integrated initiatives and three key targets, along with four themes to approach the work, such as considering how actions benefit the lands, water and communities of the area.

AASHE Announces the 2022 Sustainability Award Finalists

AASHE recently released the 28 finalists selected for this year’s Sustainability Awards. Selected from more than 430 submissions, the finalists represent high-impact sustainability projects, pioneering research, and student leadership. A ceremony will be held on Dec. 8 to announce the winners across all 12 categories.

U Pittsburgh Signs PPA for 20 MW Solar Farm

The new power purchase agreement secures for the university 100 percent of the electricity and renewable energy credits produced by a local 20 megawatt solar farm. The solar farm is expected to be operational in mid-2023.