U Chicago Launches Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth
The new institute combines research in economics, climate policy, and key energy and climate technologies. The institute plans to hire 20 new faculty members over the next five years, including in the fields of law, political science, economics, materials engineering and artificial intelligence.
Niagara U Connects 4 MW On-Campus Solar Array
The university recently completed a 17-acre, four-megawatt project, featuring 7,500 bifacial solar panels with sun tracking that follows the sun throughout the day to maximize energy production. Coupled with the university’s hydropower supply, the solar project allows the university’s electric consumption to become 100 percent carbon neutral.
Harvard U Expands Green Revolving Fund from $12 to $37M
The new $37 million green revolving fund (GRF) priorities are to 1) accelerate additional energy efficiency, especially heat/energy recovery and load reduction, in all buildings; 2) replace fossil fuel equipment with electric technology at end-of-life, whenever possible; and 3) when renovating space or changing HVAC systems or equipment, design the equipment to use low-temperature hot water for future flexibility. The GRF allows schools and units at Harvard to apply for a zero-interest loan and pay back the principal over up to 10 years.
U Michigan Publishes DEI 2.0 Plan
The recently launched Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) 2.0 Plan includes strategy by the central administration and by the 51 university units throughout the university that will engage in DEI activities for the next five years through 2028.
Duke U Reaches Carbon Neutrality
Having reduced its greenhouse gas emissions 31 percent since 2007, the university reached carbon neutrality through a combination of energy savings, investments in renewable energy and retiring 232,000 offset credits amassed from multiple projects.
Princeton Review Publishes 2025 Guide to Green Colleges
The newest Guide to Green Colleges profiles 511 higher education institutions that foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Collectively of the institutions in the guide, 28 percent obtain energy from renewable sources, 46 percent of waste is diverted from landfills and incinerators, 98 percent offer a sustainability-focused undergraduate major or degree, and 100 percent have a sustainability officer.
