Champlain College signs on to American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge

From the White House Briefing Room:

On November 19th, 2015, the White House launched American Campuses Act on Climate (ACAC) initiative to amplify the voice of the higher-ed community in support of a strong international climate agreement in the United Nations COP21 climate negotiations in Paris. The launch included a White House roundtable with campus and business leaders, including school presidents and students, to highlight best practices to promote sustainability and address climate change on college campuses. Additionally, a live-streamed conversation with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy also energized young people to achieve ambitious climate goals on their campuses and push for increased global action.

As of December 10, 318 colleges and universities representing over 4 million students have demonstrated their commitment by joining the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge. Modeled on the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, it complements any previous pledges or commitments institutions might have already. The pledge reads:

“As institutions of higher education, we applaud the progress already made to promote clean energy and climate action as we seek a comprehensive, ambitious agreement at the upcoming United Nations Climate Negotiations in Paris. We recognize the urgent need to act now to avoid irreversible costs to our global community’s economic prosperity and public health and are optimistic that world leaders will reach an agreement to secure a transition to a low carbon future. Today our school pledges to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy while enhancing sustainable and resilient practices across our campus.”

 

Champlain signs American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge

Champlain College’s pledge, as approved by President Laackman

In line with Champlain College’s Master Plan that calls to “embrace sustainability” and “strengthen a great neighborhood,” we pledge to:

  • Continue to retrofit historic buildings with more energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems;
  • Expand our geothermal heating and cooling system to more buildings on campus;
  • Fine-tune a multi-modal transportation system that works for most employees, students and visitors, in effort to decrease single occupancy vehicle travel to/from campus.

 

How will we do this? Together with our partners in Campus Planning, Physical Plant, and Transportation we’re working to make it happen. Contact us if you’d like to get involved.