Schools Commit to Climate Change Beyond the Classroom

August marks the beginning of widespread change for the nation. For many, the focus rests on gearing up for the “back to school” routine. Faculty and staff at schools, colleges and universities have spent their summer months preparing for the upcoming year to be successful. Fresh paint, new resources, better security, and welcoming décor are just a few signs of the preparatory measures the new school year brings. What might not be apparent are the behind-the-scenes measures. Amongst the meetings and paperwork, your administrators are having discussions on how to mitigate climate change.

We hear about this issue in the news and worry about the consequences caused by increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. While it’s a serious yet complicated issue, we commend the schools, colleges and universities who have made changes during the summer to make a meaningful impact which begins with a commitment.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and Presidents’ Climate Commitments are just a couple among many. These visionary pledges all work to integrate the highest standards of sustainability including greenhouse gas inventories, climate action plans, energy reduction milestones and clean energy goals. Each plan differs in its approach and commitment. Thus far, 627 colleges and universities have committed to the Presidents’ Climate Commitment, 877 Schools have joined AASHE, and the numbers are continually increasing. If your organization is behind the sustainable curve, task yourself with the following:

Step 1:          Benchmark:  Complete a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory to calculate your current contribution, also known as your climate footprint. Calculators are available online for basic benchmarking, typically Scope 1 inventories which are direct GHG emissions. Consultants can perform Scope II and III inventories which take into account indirect emissions. Further explanations of direct and indirect emissions, as well as GHG calculators, are available at the sites listed below.

 

Step 2:          Assess & Plan:  Decide by how much you want to reduce your climate footprint and if climate neutrality is right for you. Create a Climate Action Plan to determine the specific actions needed to accomplish your climate footprint goal and to provide realistic milestones to reach along the way. Your GHG inventory can be completed as a part of your Climate Action Plan, and a Climate Action Plan is generally performed by an internal sustainability director or by a consultant.

Step 3:          Implement:  Follow-up the completion of your Climate Action Plan by implementing the prescribed actions. Without action, there will not be changes to your climate change contribution.

Step 4:          Monitor:  Track your progress and publicize your accomplishments. If you find that you are progressing at a different pace than prescribed by your Climate Action Plan update your plan. It is a dynamic document and should be updated every one to two years. Most importantly - pat yourself on the back for doing your part.

These steps and commitments are not limited to schools. Many business, cities and counties are taking proactive strides to serve the atmosphere by joining agreements such as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

If you have questions and would just like to visit with someone on this, please feel free to call Jennifer Gunby here at GBA.   She’ll be happy to share ideas and can help get you on your way.

As we go about our day, whether it is in the office or in the classroom, challenge yourself to create a blueprint for sustainability because climate change is happening now. Explore more about how you can make an impact in your organization at www.epa.gov/climatechange or http://climate.nasa.gov