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| American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) |
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| "The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is a high-visibility effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth’s climate. Building on the growing momentum for leadership and action on climate change, the Presidents Climate Commitment provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to go climate neutral. The Commitment recognizes the unique responsibility that institutions of higher education have as role models for their communities and in training the people who will develop the social, economic and technological solutions to reverse global warming." (ACUPCC) Aquinas College signed the Commitment in September 2008. |
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| Aquinas Submits Implementation Profile for the ACUPCC |
| As stated in the requirements of the ACUPCC, Aquinas is expected to complete an Implementation Profile within two months of signing the commitment. Aquinas agreed to initiate the following tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while our climate action plan is in development: |
- Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.
- Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.
- Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.
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| >>View the College's implementation profile |
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| President Balog Joins Leadership in ACUPCC |
| Aquinas College emphasized its commitment to sustainability and combating climate change this past summer by joining the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). And now, the selection of Aquinas President Ed Balog to the 2009-2010 ACUPCC Steering Committee, comprised of the heads of 22 member institutions, further highlights sustainability goals of both the president and Aquinas College. >>Read More |
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| Aquinas Signs the Presidents Climate Commitment |
| Aquinas is currently within the first year of signing the Commitment. We have already met the first requirement with the standing staff, student, and faculty sustainability committees. The comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory is largely completed, although it needs to be slightly refined to meet the requirements of the Commitment. We also need to update the reported figures. |
| President Balog formally signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in September 2008. In doing so, Aquinas has committed to creating a strategy to greatly reduce our carbon footprint. The specific responsibilities of the Commitment include: |
- Within two months of signing this document, create institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan.
- Within one year, complete a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel) and update the inventory every other year thereafter.
- Within two years of signing this document, develop an institutional action plan for becoming "climate neutral."
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| Through the active engagement of the Center for Sustainability, the sustainability committees, and all campus community members, Aquinas will undoubtedly meet the requirements of the Presidents Climate Commitment and advance our institution’s sustainability goals. |
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| For more information and to read the Commitment in its entirety, please visit: |
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| www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/ |
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