On September 16th, the University released its Climate Action Plan, a plan to reduce the University’s carbon emissions and enhance sustainability. This was the result of over two years of work, including the appointment of a University Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, and the creation of a guiding group, the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC). Numerous University entities contributed to the development of the plan.

The Undergraduate Assembly, among other student groups, has made sustainability a core part of its mission through its housing, sustainability and facilities (HSF) committee. It has helped for coordinate outreach out the plan, hosting the Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, Dan Garofolo, for a town-hall style meeting. Student leaders from over campus were able to ask questions following an informative presentation.

The UA’s response to the Climate Action Plan focused on the principles of leadership, environmental effectiveness, and student involvement. It commended the University for its environmental policies, called upon the University to commit to carbon neutrality, recommended further energy conversation incentives, and urged the university to be work with students interested in sustainability, among other recommendations.

You can read the minutes from the meeting here.

The UA hopes to continue its work on sustainability. Those interested in getting involved can apply to be an associate member for the HSF committee.