The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has recently commissioned a project to measure scope 3 carbon emissions at a higher education institutional level. The project will work to establish a sector baseline of emissions from procurement, produce definitions for measuring scope 3 carbon emissions and provide guidance to higher education institutions to help with the associated data collection. Set for an August 2011 completion, project teams with representatives from the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE), the Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA), the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) and the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) will engage with a wide range of institutions, sector bodies and stakeholders to collect data in areas of procurement, water, waste, commuting and business travel.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology recently achieved carbon neutrality with its 2010 university commencement, held for more than 10,000 students and parents. Carbon reduction measures included additional recycling bins, used cups and plates composting, a carbon-friendly menu and recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink for the commencement program printing. The post-event carbon audit revealed the achievement of carbon neutrality based on British Standards Institution's PAS 2060 protocol.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced an award of $20 million to the University of Idaho to fund research to better understand and plan for a changing climate in the Pacific Northwest. A research team led by the university that includes researchers from Washington State University, Oregon State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service will study impacts of climate change on Northwest wheat and barley production with a focus on cereal production systems and their management under projected climate change scenarios for the region.

Thirteen new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the July 19, 2010 issue of the AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Ronald Berkman of Cleveland State University (OH), Mark Erickson of Wittenberg University (OH), John Fry of Drexel University (PA), Jerry Sue Thornton of Cuyahoga Community College (OH), John Delaney of the University of North Florida, Cleveland Sellers of Voorhees College (SC), Greg Weisenstein of West Chester University (PA), Thayne McColluh of Gonzaga University (WA), Janet Eisner of Emmanuel College (MA), Beverly Tatum of Spelman College (GA), Kenneth Ender of William Rainey Harper College (IL), Thomas Cole of Interdenominational Theological Center (GA) and David Gipp of the United Tribes Technical College (ND). A total of 677 college and university presidents are active ACUPCC signatories.

Forty-three new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAPs) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on Dec. 6, 2010. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing. The new submissions are, in alphabetical order: Babson College (MA); Clemson University (SC); Coppin State University (MD); East Los Angeles College (CA); Everett Community College (WA); Gateway Community College (AZ); Goucher College (MD); Governors State University (IL); Gustavus Adolphus College (MN); Hillsborough Community College (FL); Holyoke Community College (MA); Huston-Tillotson University (TX); Johnson County Community College (KS); Juniata College (PA); Lane Community College (OR); Los Angeles City College (CA); Los Angeles Harbor College (CA); Los Angeles Mission College (CA); Los Angeles Pierce College (CA); Los Angeles Southwest College (CA); Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (CA); Los Angeles Valley College (CA); Massachusetts Maritime Academy; Monroe Community College (NY); New Mexico State University at Carlsbad; North Carolina State University; Southern New Hampshire University; St. Mary's College of Maryland; State University of New York at Albany; The New School (NY); University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; University of Minnesota-Crookston; University of Minnesota-Duluth; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; University of Mississippi; University of Missouri-Columbia; University of Missouri - Kansas City; University of Richmond (VA); University of South Carolina Lancaster (SC); University of Vermont; University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; West Los Angeles College (CA); and Western Technical College (WI).

"Taking the bus between the two meeting locations in Cancun is a lot like the official negotiations themselves," writes Stuart Sexton who was one of 16 University of Minnesota students who participated as official observers of the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Mexico. "They are rather slow and repetitive, and every once in a while you have to brake for an unexpected iguana in the road, but every time you get back from where you were, the climate change agreement picture becomes a little bit clearer." As part of a climate change policy course, the students provided updates on the negotiations to local media and interviewed delegates during the first week of the two-week negotiations. The students recently presented their experience to the public at the university's Institute on the Environment.

The American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) has signed on as an academic partner to the R20 - Regions of Climate Action alliance. Officially launched this month at the third Governors’ Global Climate Summit in California, the R20 is a subnational public-private alliance that will partner with organizations and individuals from the private sector, academia, national governments, international organizations and civil society to build momentum for climate action at the national and international levels. The alliance aims to develop and implement low-carbon and climate resilient projects through cooperation among subnational governments from around the world and within five years, aims to have at least 20 subnational governments enact comprehensive low-carbon policies and implement projects. The R20 hopes to expand the global green economy, create new green jobs and build commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 100 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on June 21, 2010. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. In the November 15 issue, AASHE listed the first 70 of 131 institutions that submitted new inventories in alphabetical order. The remaining 61 campuses that have submitted new inventories include: Saint Joseph's College of Maine; Salisbury University (MD); San Antonio College (TX); San Francisco State University (CA); Santa Clara University (CA); Southern Oregon University; Southwestern College - Kansas; St. Catherine University (MN); St. Cloud State University (MN); St. Philip's College (TX); State University of New York at Buffalo; State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; State University of New York College at Oswego; State University of New York Empire State College; SUNY Orange (NY); The College of New Jersey; The Ohio State University, Columbus Campus; Towson University (MD): Trident Technical College (SC); Trinity College (CT); Union College (NY); Unity College (ME); University of Arizona; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Davis; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of Cincinnati (OH): University of Colorado at Boulder; University of Idaho; University of Illinois at Chicago; University of La Verne (CA); University of Maine; University of Maine at Machias; University of Maryland Baltimore County; University of Maryland College Park; University of Massachusetts Medical School; University of Nevada, Reno; University of New Hampshire; University of New Mexico-Valencia; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; University of Puget Sound (WA); University of Redlands (CA); University of Utah; University of Washington Bothell; University of Washington Seattle; University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; University of Wyoming; Utah State University; Valencia Community College (FL); Virginia Commonwealth University; Wake Technical Community College (NC); Warren Wilson College (NC); Washington & Jefferson College (PA); Western Iowa Tech Community College; Western Michigan University (MI); Western Oregon University; William Paterson University of New Jersey; and Wilson College (PA).

More than 100 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on June 21, 2010. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. In alphabetical order, AASHE is listing the first 70 of 131 institutions that submitted new inventories. The remaining 61 campuses will appear in the November 22 issue. New inventories were submitted by: Alfred University (NY); Allegheny College (PA); Antioch University New England (NH); Bentley University (MA); Berea College (KY); Bethany College (WV); Black Hills State University (SD); Bowdoin College (ME); Bridgemont Community and Technical College (WV); Brookhaven College (TX); Bunker Hill Community College (MA); California State University, Chico; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Cape Cod Community College (MA); Chandler-Gilbert Community College (AZ); Clark University (MA); College of Lake County (IL); College of the Holy Cross (MA); Colorado College; Colorado State University; Columbus State Community College (OH); Connecticut College; Cornell University (NY); Delaware State University; Drury University (MO); Eastfield College (TX); Eckerd College (FL); Emerson College (MA); Fairfield University (CT); Florida Gulf Coast University; Florida International University; Franklin & Marshall College (PA); Franklin Pierce University (NH); George Mason University (VA); Georgia Institute of Technology; Goshen College (IN); Grand Rapids Community College (MI); Guilford College (NC); Harford Community College (MD); Harrisburg Area Community College (PA); Haywood Community College (NC); Hibbing Community College (MN); Hollins University (VA); Houghton College (NY); Joliet Junior College (IL); Kalamazoo College (MI); Kennesaw State University (GA); Life University (GA); Macalester College (MN); McLennan Community College (TX); Mercyhurst College (PA); Middlesex Community College (MA); Monroe Community College (NY); Monterey Institute of International Studies (CA); Montgomery County Community College (PA); Naropa University (CO); North Iowa Area Community College (IA); North Shore Community College (MA); Northeast Lakeview College (TX); Northwest Vista College (TX); Norwalk Community College (CT); Onondaga Community College (NY); Pacific Lutheran University (WA); Palo Alto College (TX); Pomona College (CA); Purchase College, State University of New York; Randolph College (VA); Richland College (TX); Rider University (NJ); and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (IN). In related news, Yale University (CT) has published a Yale Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy 2010 executive summary.

Delta College (MI) President Jean Goodnow has received the first annual Climate Leadership Award for Outstanding Individual Climate Leadership from Second Nature. Honorees were recognized at the organization's fourth annual American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment Summit in October. Goodnow has integrated sustainability into the college's educational, administrative and operational activities including Green Fridays, a four-day work week established as a successful measure of campus carbon reduction. The college is also launching an Introduction to Sustainability course to serve as the foundation for its upcoming Sustainability Certificate program.

Duke University (NC) has launched DukeEngage, a program that allows students to purchase carbon emission credits before participating in a study abroad programs or traveling for school. The offsets are being created by a Duke partnership with North Carolina hog farmers to capture methane gas. To participate in the offsets program, DukeEngage students log into a website, use a calculator to determine the carbon emissions of an upcoming trip, and then pay for offsets with a FLEX account or a check.

10 new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAP) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on March 22, 2010. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing. The new submission are: New York University, University of Oregon, Northern Arizona University, Northeastern University (MA), Antioch University New England (NH), Framingham State College (MA), New Mexico State University Dona Ana Branch, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Northern Essex Community College (MA), and Naropa University (CO).

27 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the December 21, 2009 issue of the AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: James Anderson of Fayetteville State University (NC); David DeCenzo of Coastal Carolina University (SC); Dale Knobel of Denison University (OH); Rufus Glasper of the Maricopa Community College District (AZ); Ernie Lara of Estrella Mountain Community College (AZ); Velvie Green of Glendale Community College (AZ); Paul Dale of Paradise Valley Community College (AZ); Anna Solley of Phoenix College (AZ); Ken Atwater of South Mountain Community College (AZ); Charlotte Warren of Lincoln Land Community College (IL); Frank Toda of Columbia Gorge Community College (OR); Paul McCarthy of El Centro College (TX); Jeffrey Docking of Adrian College (MI); John Anderson of Alfred State College SUNY College of Technology (NY); Richard Rhodes of El Paso Community College (TX); Robert Franklin of Morehouse College (GA); Stephen Beal of California College of the Arts; Stan Altman of Baruch College – CUNY (NY); T. Eston Marchant of Central Carolina Community College (NC); John Schlegel of Creighton University (NE); Michael Burke of Milwaukee Area Technical College (WI); Thomas Isekenegbe of Cumberland County College (NJ); Ed Gould of Imperial Valley College (CA); Becky Paneitz of NorthWest Arkansas Community College; Peter Angstadt of Rogue Community College (OR); Pamela Davies of Queens University of Charlotte (NC); and Mark Tierno of Cazenovia College (NY). 682 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the results of its fourth annual Green Power Challenge. The University of Pennsylvania emerged as the top individual school in the competition, purchasing more than 192 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of green power or 46 percent of their power purchases. Collectively, the Ivy League is the overall college conference champion in the challenge, with an annual green power usage of more than 225 million kWh. After the Ivy League, the Big Ten Conference followed by the University Athletic Association are the second and third place winners, respectively. Spread across 26 athletic conferences nationwide, 54 universities competed in this year’s challenge. More than 1 billion kWh of purchased green power were recorded as part of this year's challenge.

The University of South Carolina Office of Outdoor Recreation has released a plan for becoming carbon neutral. The Office plans to plant at least 39 trees each year to offset the 6.6 tons of annual carbon emissions it generates.

The American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) has released its Annual Report. The Report includes highlights from 2009; a list of innovative ways schools are applying their Climate Action Plans to areas such as curriculum, transportation, renewable energy, and partnerships within and outside the campus gates; a description of the impact the Commitment has had on the reduction of carbon emissions; information on the Climate Action Plans that have been submitted; a list of resources available to signatory institutions; and the ACUPCC budget. The ACUPCC, launched in early 2007, is currently comprised of 677 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia - representing nearly six million students and about one third of the US higher education student population.

10 new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAP) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on February 15, 2010. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing. The new submission are: Bates College (ME); Smith College (MA); Cabrillo College (CA); Plymouth State University (NH); Saint John's University (MN); University of California, San Diego; Florida Gulf Coast University; Berry College (GA); Berea College (KY); and Wilkes University (PA). In related news, Johns Hopkins University (MD) has also announced its Implementation Plan for Advancing Sustainability and Climate Stewardship.

14 campuses have offset 100 percent of their greenhouse gas emissions derived from laundry equipment through a partnership with Mac-Gray Corporation and Carbonfund.org. Over 21 million pounds of GHG emissions will be offset through a $95,000 investment in Carbonfund.org's third-party verified carbon reduction projects. The participating campuses include: Colorado College, Colorado State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Keene State College (NH), Salisbury University (MD), Stonehill College (MA), University of Montevallo (AL), University of North Carolina-Charlotte, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, University of South Carolina-Aiken, University of South Carolina-Upstate, and Western Carolina University (NC).

42 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on December 21, 2009. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: Bainbridge Graduate Institute (WA): Bard College (NY); Bemidji State University (MN); Cascadia Community College (WA); Century College (MN); Colby-Sawyer College (NH); Colgate University (NH); Concordia University, Nebraska; Edmonds Community College (WA); Everett Community College (WA); George Mason University (VA); Grand Valley State University (MI); Hiram College (OH); Hocking Technical College (OH); Howard Community College (MD); Huston-Tillotson University (TX); Jackson Community College (MI); Jamestown Community College (NY); Labette Community College (KS); Lakeshore Technical College (WI); Mercyhurst College (PA); Minnesota State Community and Technical College; Missouri University of Science & Technology; Mount Mercy College (IA); Mount Wachusett Community College (MA); Northeastern University (MA); Ohio University; Santa Clara University (CA); Southern Oregon University; State University of New York at New Paltz; Stetson University (FL); The University of Memphis (TN); University of Arizona; University of Central Florida; University of Maine at Presque Isle; University of Missouri - Columbia; University of Missouri - Saint Louis; University of New England (ME); University of Rhode Island; University of Southern Maine; Washington State University, Pullman; and Western Connecticut State University. In related news, Elon University (CT) has also completed its greenhouse gas inventory.

The Duke University (NC) Fuqua School of Business has installed a new, custom-built virtual lecture hall which provides students with access to professors, business leaders, and guest lecturers located around the globe. Duke is striving to make use of teleconferencing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to travel.

98 new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAP) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on December 21, 2009. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing.

Universiti Brunei Darussalam has begun the UBD Green Project to address the issues of climate change. The initiative maps out a plan to become more sustainable and includes planting over 100 trees, banning plastic bags from campus, and encouraging carpooling and bicycling.

Universities in the United Kingdom have been urged to cut emissions 50 percent by 2020 against 1990 levels, and 100 percent by 2050. This set of targets comes from the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The council says much of the goal can be met by increasing energy efficiency on campuses.

Cornell University (NY) and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory have launched a website to help campus-based institutions develop clean energy and carbon-reduction strategies. The Climate Neutral Research Campuses website provides campuses with a process to establish a baseline carbon inventory and develop and implement their own climate action plans. The core of the website is a resource center that describes 24 specific climate action options. For each action, the website provides a leading example of the related technology and reference links. It also offers guidance on selecting the right technology options for an individual campus.

Governor Jim Doyle has retracted a campaign promise that four University of Wisconsin campuses will be off the grid by 2012. Doyle had originally pledged that the campuses would become the first state agencies to purchase or produce as much energy from renewable sources as they consume. The governor backed off of this promise after determining that it was unrealistic. The institutions credit the challenge for encouraging them to conserve energy, study alternative fuels, and purchase more renewable sources.

11 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on November 16, 2009. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: The Ohio State University; College of the Atlantic (ME); Auburn University (AL); University of Missouri, Saint Louis; University of Missouri, Kansas City; Clark University (MA); Luther College (IA); Smith College (MA); Santa Monica College (CA); Hamilton College (NY); and Monterey Institute of International Studies (CA).

6 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the November 16, 2009 issue of the AASHE Bulletin . In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Robert Smith of Slippery Rock University (PA); Alejandra Liora Adler of Gaia University (CO); Paul Pai of St. Louis Community College, Meramec (MO); Frank Toda of Columbia Gorge Community College (OR); and Scott Lesnik of Lake Land College (IL). 663 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment. In related news, Dalhousie University (NS) President Tom Traves has signed the University and College Presidents' Climate Change Statement of Action. Signing the document commits Dalhousie to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Further, the University must complete an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions with a year; set targets and develop an action plan within two years; and take a leadership role within the community to educate about global climate change

Austin College (TX) has announced plans to offset 39 percent of the estimated carbon dioxide emissions from upcoming study abroad trips. Seven of the College's off-campus January Term courses elected to purchase offsets, encompassing travel to Peru; Ecuador; Galapagos; Costa Rica; South Africa; Berlin; Tokyo; Washington, DC; and New York. In total, carbon emissions for 124 students, seven faculty, and three alumni will be offset. One on-campus course also purchased credits to offset van travel. Participants are voluntarily paying the additional costs of the carbon offsets, purchased in partnership with NativeEnergy, which will be used to build a new wind farm in Greensburg, Kansas.

Austin College (TX) has announced plans to offset 39 percent of the estimated carbon dioxide emissions from upcoming study abroad trips. Seven of the College's off-campus January Term courses elected to purchase offsets, encompassing travel to Peru; Ecuador; Galapagos; Costa Rica; South Africa; Berlin; Tokyo; Washington, DC; and New York. In total, carbon emissions for 124 students, seven faculty, and three alumni will be offset. One on-campus course also purchased credits to offset van travel. Participants are voluntarily paying the additional costs of the carbon offsets, purchased in partnership with NativeEnergy, which will be used to build a new wind farm in Greensburg, Kansas.

10 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on October 19, 2009. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: University of Vermont; University of Maine at Machias; University of South Carolina, Upstate; University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater; Goucher College (MD); Harvey Mudd College (CA); School for International Training (VT); Bellevue College (WA); and Houston Community College (TX). In related news, Washington University in St. Louis (MO) has also published a greenhouse gas inventory

Nine new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the September 14, 2009 issue of the AASHE Bulletin . In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Philip Dubois of University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC); Robert Davies of Eastern Oregon University; Stanley Jensen of Colorado Mountain College; Penelope Kyle of Radford University (VA); Richard D. McCrary of Brookhaven College (TX); Michael Viollt of Robert Morris University (IL); Robert Martin of the Institute of American Indian Arts (NM); Debra A. Derr of North Iowa Area Community College; and Warrick Carter of Columbia College, Chicago (IL). 659 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.

21 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on September 21, 2009. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: Tulane University (LA); North Carolina State University; Illinois State University; University of Mississippi; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie; University of South Carolina, Beaufort; University of South Carolina, Aiken; New Mexico State University, Grants Branch; Seattle Pacific University (WA); Northland College (WI); Agnes Scott College (GA); Gainesville State College (GA); Framingham State College (MA); Kent State University, Stark Campus (OH); Norfolk State University (VA); Confederation College (ON); Naropa University (CO); Inver Hills Community College (MN); Rochester Community and Technical College (MN); and The National Graduate School of Quality Management (MA).

The American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) has joined the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net), an outreach initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to promote a global transition to low carbon economies and societies. In joining CN Net, the ACUPCC has pledged to promote efforts by colleges and universities around the world to move towards climate neutrality and contribute to international knowledge-sharing of academic expertise, including "twinning" projects between universities in developed and developing countries. Other UNEP CN Net partner institutions include Allegheny College (PA); College of the Atlantic (ME); Evergreen State College (WA); Middlebury College (VT); the University of California, Berkeley; and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Furman University (SC) has received a 2009 Climate Champion Award from Clean Air-Cool Planet (CA-CP) in recognition of the University’s leadership and excellence in finding solutions to global warming and climate change. Furman was recognized for its innovative climate action planning model, the breadth of its campus sustainability initiatives, and the visionary leadership in the higher education community of its President, Dr. David Shi.

59 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on August 10, 2009. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: Adams State College (CO); Aquinas College (MI); Austin College (TX); Brandeis University (MA); Central Connecticut State University; Chabot College (CA); Chatham University (PA); Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (OH); Coastline Community College (CA); Colorado State University; Columbus State Community College (OH); DePauw University (IN); Drury University (MO); Emory & Henry College (VA); Georgian Court University (NJ); Golden West College (CA); Goshen College (IN); Green Mountain College (VT); Iowa Lakes Community College; James Madison University (VA); Kent State University. Stark (OH); Lansing Community College (MI); Las Positas College (CA); Linfield College (OR); McLennan Community College (TX); Metropolitan State University (MN); Montgomery County Community College (PA); Nassau Community College (NY); New Mexico State University; North Shore Community College (MA); Orange Coast College (CA); Pomona College (CA); Pratt Institute (NY); Prescott College (AZ); Rhodes College (TN); Seattle University (WA); Simpson College (IA); South Suburban College (IL); State University of New York at Binghamton; Texas Christian University; The New School (NY); Trinity College (CT); Truckee Meadows Community College (NV); University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Florida; University of Houston - Downtown (TX); University of Louisville (KY) ; University of Maine at Augusta; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of New Hampshire; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; University of South Carolina, Columbia; University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie; University of South Carolina, Union; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; University of Vermont; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Wisconsin-Stout; and Utah State University. In related news, the College of William & Mary has also published a greenhouse gas inventory.

16 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the May 11, 2009 issue of the AASHE Bulletin . In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Mark Keenum of Mississippi State University; John Dunn of Western Michigan University; Claibourne Smith of Delaware State University; Dr. Stewart Edelstein of The Universities at Shady Grove; Earl H. Potter of St. Cloud State University; Dario Cortes of Berkeley College (NY); Stephen Kinslow of Austin Community College District (TX); Earl Richardson of Morgan State University (MD); Thomas Ramage of Parkland College (IL); Dianne Boardley Suber of Saint Augustine’s College (NC); Ted Landsmark of Boston Architectural College (MA); Carol Lucey of Western Nevada Community College; Dr. Robert Dunker of Western Iowa Tech Community College; Steve Cooper of Tech University of America; Edna Baehre of Harrisburg Area Community College (PA), and M. Sue Collins of Hibbing Community College (MN). 650 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.

Over 250 higher education leaders attended the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment Leadership Summit in Chicago, IL. Speakers included former President Bill Clinton; Martha J. Kanter, US Undersecretary of Education; S. Richard Fedrizzi, President, CEO, and Founding Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council; Peter M. Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline and founding chair of the Society for Organizational Learning; and Janine Benyus, biologist and author of six books including Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature .

Six universities from the US, UK, Spain, and China have become the first academic institutions to join the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net), an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to promote global action to de-carbonize our economies and societies. CN Net participants have agreed to take leadership on the issue of climate change at the local, national, and international levels. The US charter members include College of the Atlantic (ME), The Evergreen State College (WA), and Middlebury College (VT).

20 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin . The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: University of California, Berkeley; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; University of Illinois at Chicago; Furman University (SC); University of Wyoming; University of South Carolina, Sumter; University of Minnesota-Duluth; State University of New York at Albany; Franklin College (IN); Castleton State College (VT); Cabrillo College (CA); Fairfield University (CT); University of Saint Thomas (MN); San Joaquin Delta College (CA); Springfield College (MA); Gateway Community College (AZ); Lake Superior College (MN); Washtenaw Community College (MI); Coppin State University (MD); and Johnson County Community College (KS). In related news, Michigan Technological University has also published a greenhouse gas inventory.

35 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin . The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: University of Delaware; University of Connecticut; University of Utah; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; University of South Florida; Appalachian State University (NC); American University (DC); George Washington University (DC); Rice University (TX); Seattle Pacific University (WA); Washington State University, Spokane; Washington State University, Tri-Cities; Washington State University, Vancouver; University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute; University of Minnesota, Crookston; University of South Carolina, Columbia; State University of New York at Fredonia (NY); Case Western Reserve University (OH); Bucknell University (PA); Drew University (NJ); New College of Florida; Governors State University (IL); Colby College (ME); College of Saint Rose (NY); Antioch University Seattle (WA); Lake Michigan College; Wentworth Institute of Technology (MA); Carteret Community College (NC); Western Technical College (WI); Scottsdale Community College (AZ); Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY); Shoreline Community College (WA); Lorain County Community College (OH); Vermilion Community College (MN); and St. Clair County Community College (MI).

Green Mountain College (VT) President Paul J. Fonteyn has announced that the campus will be carbon neutral by 2011. Through a combination of a combined heat and power biomass facility and measures aimed at improving energy efficiency on campus, the College projects a 64 percent reduction in emissions outputs between 2007 and 2011. GMC already receives 50 percent of its electricity through Central Vermont Power Service’s Cow Power program, which creates biogas from cow manure on Vermont dairy farms.

Inside Higher Ed has published an article on the progress of American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment signatories. Currently 78 percent of signatories are meeting their reporting deadlines. The article includes interviews with presidents from several signatory institutions.

26 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin . The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: Oregon State University; University of Southern Mississippi; University of North Texas; Sewanee: The University of the South (TN); Brandeis University (MA); University of Alaska, Anchorage; University of Minnesota-Rochester; Oregon Institute of Technology; New England Institute of Technology (RI); Xavier University (OH); University of Baltimore (MD); St. Mary's College of Maryland; Life University (GA); Loras College (IA); Temple University (PA); Illinois College; Roger Williams University (RI); The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; Bergen Community College (NJ); Lewis and Clark Community College (IL); SUNY Rockland Community College; Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MN); The Community College of Baltimore County (MD); Manchester Community College (NH); Durham Technical Community College (NC); and Bristol Community College (MA). In related news, Elon University (NC) has also published a greenhouse gas inventory.

Johns Hopkins University (MD) Task Force on Climate Change has released its final report. The document recommends that the University reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 51 percent by the year 2025. The report also calls for the University to expand its focus on the student experience, ensuring that students have more opportunities to get involved in climate change research activities, community-based learning, and sustainability-related social activities. Likewise, the report recommends that academic leadership find creative ways to match interested professors with meaningful sustainability projects on the Johns Hopkins campuses and in the surrounding communities. During the next several months, the University plans to develop an implementation plan based on the report.

Mount Allison University (NB) has adopted a campus-wide Carbon Emission Reduction Policy. The Policy concentrates on three major areas responsible for most of the University’s emissions: heating, electricity, and transportation. Reduction strategies include fuel-switching to lower emission sources as they become available and represent viable options, priority purchasing of high efficiency model appliances and computer hardware, and creating a central accounting system to monitor travel distances and mode of all university expensed travel.

18 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Dr. William W. Destler of Rochester Institute of Technology (NY); Karen Lawrence of Sarah Lawrence College (NY); Richard F. Celeste of Colorado College; Patrick J. Schloss of Valdosta State University (GA); Dr. Lloyd Jacobs of University of Toledo (OH); Dr. David Fuller of Minot State University (ND); Dr. Stephen B. Jones of Urbana University (OH); Dr. Christopher Blake of Mount Mercy College (IA); Gary A. Lewis of Shasta College (CA); Dr. Thomas Ramage of Parkland College (IL); Jean Conway of Eastfield College (TX); Dr. Richard W. Cummins of Columbia Basin College (WA); Dr. E. Joseph Lee of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine; David L. Levinson of Norwalk Community College (CT); Dr. Gena Proulx of Joliet Junior College (IL); Russell A. Davis of Gloucester Community College (NJ); Dr. J. Larry Keen of Fayetteville Technical Community College (NC); and Barbara Woodlee of Kennebec Valley Community College (ME). 633 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.

The U.S. Green Building Council has announced that it will award Saint Xavier University (IL) with its 2009 Natural Leader Award. Saint Xavier will be recognized with the SMALL feet/large FEAT award for excellence in organizational change. The award recognizes Saint Xavier’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

123 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin . The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. In related news, the University of Texas at Austin has also published a greenhouse gas inventory.

Inside Higher Ed has published an article on higher education initiatives that aim to make studying abroad more sustainable. The article discusses a report submitted to NAFSA: Association of International Educators by a national task force on environmental sustainability in study abroad, new sustainability standards being proposed as additions to the Forum on Education Abroad's Standards of Good Practice, and the Green Passport Program, a new social networking site that aims to raise student awareness of their ecological and social impacts abroad. Higher education institutions highlighted include Augsburg College (MN); Marlboro College (VT); Warren Wilson College (NC); University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Middlebury College (VT); and Willamette University (OR).

A University of Michigan student is attempting to cut his carbon footprint in half and has started a blog on his experiences. "Going Green: Cutting Environmental Impact on Campus" seeks to answer questions such as "what ways can I reduce my carbon footprint that are easy and effective?" and "given the tight budget of the average college student, what are the cheapest ways to do it?" The blog, which is hosted by Fox News, will also feature videos, tips, and how-tos for readers who want to go green.