April 24, 2008 issue
Appalachian Joins National Effort To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Protect the Environment
Appalachian State University has joined more than 500 universities, colleges and community colleges in pledging to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the year 2050.
Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock formalized the goal by signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment on Earth Day, April 22. The commitment outlines particular strategies universities must meet to achieve climate neutrality.
“I can’t think of a more appropriate day to sign this agreement than on Earth Day,” Peacock said. “It took a while to get to this point, but Appalachian has been very careful to make sure that we can fulfill the requirements that are in the document.”
Appalachian has already implemented three of the seven benchmarks outlined in the commitment that are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Lee F. Ball, a research analyst in Appalachian’s Energy Center and a member of the university’s Sustainability Council.
Appalachian has adopted an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy that requires the purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.
Through AppalCART, the university encourages the use of and provides access to public transportation for faculty, staff, students and visitors. In addition, much of the AppalCART fleet operates on biodiesel.
The university is also participating in the waste minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition and has adopted more than the required measures to reduce waste.
The university recycled 17 percent of its total waste stream in 2006-07, including 450,000 pounds of paper goods ranging from cardboard and newsprint to white and colored paper, books and magazines.
In addition, the university’s Sustainability Council chartered April 11 is responsible for crafting the university’s action plan, inventorying existing programs and publicly issuing periodic progress reports regarding the university’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The council is comprised of faculty, staff and student representatives.
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