Investment Coalition Seeks to Stop New Fossil Fuel Projects
(U.K.) Representatives from the Universities of Newcastle, Sussex, Bristol, and from Trinity College Cambridge and Jesus College at the University of Cambridge recently published an open letter asking asset managers to vote against directors of companies pursuing or backing new fossil fuel projects. It also asks investors to support all climate-linked shareholder resolutions, particularly those that call for an end to new fossil fuel projects.
U California Signs 85 MW Wind Energy Contract
The newly signed wind energy contract supports a 3,500 megawatt utility-scale wind farm in New Mexico. The university is procuring 85 megawatts, which is equivalent to the total annual electricity consumption for US Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside and UC Merced combined. Construction is expected to start this year and commercial operation is anticipated in 2026.
SUNY ESF Renews STARS Platinum Rating
The university's latest STARS report highlights its employee sustainability educators program that supports and facilitates sustainable practices through peer education and collective action. Another point of distinction is a 41 percent reduction in waste and a 23 percent increase in waste diversion compared to a 2018 baseline.
IEN Announces Inaugural Leadership Award Recipient
Felicia Davis, co-founder of the HBCU Green Fund, was announced recently as the winner of Intentional Endowment Network's (IEN) first-ever Leadership Award. Davis was honored at IEN's 2023 summit for her decades of service in championing climate justice, her involvement in advancing the mission of HBCUs, mentoring and inspiring BIPOC individuals and women, defending democracy, and supporting a just transition to sustainable future.
Duke U Appoints Vice President & Vice Provost for Climate & Sustainability
Toddi Steelman was appointed recently to the new leadership position–vice president and vice provost for climate and sustainability–and will begin July 1. Concluding her five-year term as the Stanback Dean of Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment, Steelman will become the chief administrative and academic officer in charge of advancing the Duke Climate Commitment and will lead the newly created Office of Climate and Sustainability. Lori Bennear will succeed Stellman in a two-year term as the new dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment.
Southern Illinois U Carbondale Names Sustainability Director
The university recently selected Aimee Lemrise as its new director of sustainability. Having earned her bachelor and master's degrees from SIU in geography and environmental resources, Lemrise plans to track the university's sustainability progress using STARS, seek additional funding, and create a collaborative space for sustainability research, education and partnerships.
Victoria U to Divest From Fossil Fuels
The board of regents for Victoria University at the University of Toronto approved recently a motion to divest the university’s endowment portfolio from fossil fuel companies by 2030.
U Pacific Begins Divestment From Fossil Fuels
The university's board of regents agreed recently to several measures beginning immediately, including removing investments from companies associated with thermal coal and tar sands. The university will also explore options for clean energy investments.
Catawba College Becomes Carbon Neutral
The college recently announced that it has achieved carbon neutrality seven years ahead of its goal of 2030. To meet this goal, a mix of renewable energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy credits and carbon offsets were used.
U Vermont Publishes Sustainability Plan
The university's newly released Comprehensive Sustainability Plan outlines short- and long-term goals organized around four major themes–decarbonization; operations; governance and people; and research and learning. Highlights of the plan include a carbon neutrality goal of 2030, prioritizing renewable energy investments, developing a program focused on sustainability of campus labs, reducing waste per campus user 10 percent by 2035, and creating partnerships to support the development and training of the green workforce in Vermont.
Loyola U Chicago to Purchase 100% Renewable Energy
On Earth Day, the university announced a 12-year agreement in which it will purchase photovoltaic power to meet 100 percent of electricity needs for its Lake Shore, Water Tower, and Health Sciences campuses.
