Northwestern U Establishes Energy Investment Guidelines
The university announced in mid-June new investment guidelines regarding fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions and energy. The board of trustees directed the university's investment office to direct future investments in energy companies that produce alternative or responsible transition fuels with lower levels of GHG emissions; divest from direct holdings in companies identified as pursuing poor GHG emissions practices, energy production or climate change information and research; support investments in technologies that can accelerate the transition to carbon-free; and measure the endowment's carbon footprint.
U Illinois Chicago Receives $1.5M for Social Justice Initiative
The university's Portal Project, which launched in 2021 and focuses on abolition, economic democracy and climate justice, has received a $1.5 million grant from the Marguerite Casey Foundation. The grant will be used to expand its work at the intersection of social justice scholarship and social movements, culminating in a national conference and book publication.
WHO Working Group Calls for Climate Change Education for Health Professionals
The World Health Organization's Civil Society Working Group recently released a letter calling on universities and other education stakeholders to advance action on health and climate change. The letter underscores the importance of graduating health professionals being prepared to identify, prevent and respond to the health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. It offers calls to action, example courses and additional resources.
Concordia U invests $2M in Local Circular Economy Fund
The university's foundation recently announced a $2 million contribution to a Québec-based, circular economy initiative, launched in March 2021 by Fondaction, in partnership with the City of Montreal and Recyc-Québec. The fund aims to accelerate ecological transition through the circular economy, notably by reducing the production of residual materials and supporting their recovery, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
U Virginia Launches $60M Climate Change Solutions Program
The university's newly announced Grand Challenge Research Initiatives will invest $60 million into collaborative climate change research. UVA researchers will work to develop clean energy solutions and help local communities develop best practices for responding to climate-driven challenges.
Brigham Young U Hawaii Completes Solar Energy Plus Battery Installation
The recently completed photovoltaic energy system that includes three rooftop and five carport installations plus battery storage is projected to meet approximately 39 percent of the university's energy needs annually. The university financed the project through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
