Energy Dept Funds Research on Clean Energy & Decarbonization
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $17.4 million to 17 institutions of higher education primarily serving traditionally underrepresented communities to support novel, early-stage research on topics such as carbon capture, carbon dioxide removal, carbon conversion, and hydrogen with carbon management.
McGill U Divests From Direct Holdings
The university recently announced divestment from all direct holdings in fossil-fuel companies listed in the Carbon Underground 200, for implementation in 2024 and completion in 2025.
Middlebury College Adds Solar Electricity
New photovoltaic panels are being installed on the Middlebury Institute of International Studies campus in Monterey, California, and are expected to generate over 60 percent of the total campus electricity use. The project was made possible through a 20-year power purchase agreement with a third party, which financed the project and will own and operate the solar arrays.
Columbia U Commits to Reduce Food-Based Carbon Emissions
The university recently signed onto the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, a New York City-wide initiative to reduce carbon emissions through plant-forward food. Columbia Dining has committed to reducing its food-based carbon emissions 25% by 2030 through a plant-powered procurement strategy for its dining operations.
Kalamazoo College Publishes Sustainability and CAP
The college's recently published, five-year plan identifies an overarching goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes measurable actions in the areas of resource conservation, student learning outcomes, and environmental responsibility.
George Washington U Announces Unification of Campus Sustainability
The university recently announced the Alliance for a Sustainable Future, a university-wide initiative combining research institutes, academic programs, offices, organizations and individuals dedicated to the shared mission of combating climate change and promoting healthy and thriving resource systems. The alliance will report to the Office of the Provost.
Students at Six Universities File Legal Complaints About Fossil Fuel Investments
Student organizers at six universities in the U.S. wrote to the attorneys general of their respective states asking officials to scrutinize their universities’ investments. The students argue that by investing in coal, oil and gas, the schools are violating their obligations as non-profit organizations to prioritize the public interest.