Seven Steps to Developing a Campus Climate Action Plan

Date:  4/16/2009
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM U.S. EDT
Price: $0.00
Registration Deadline: 4/16/2009 10:00:00 AM

Registration For This Event Is Closed

Many colleges and universities are addressing global climate change on their campuses by embarking on various initiatives that promote resource demand–reductions in the use of electricity, water, and paper, as well as energy conservation measures and green–living and -dining choices.  While these initiatives represent the best of intentions, undertaking such activities along parallel but disparate paths is inefficient, unsustainable, and may not achieve the desired intent and impact.  The real challenge in sustainability programming is developing a comprehensive plan, based upon stakeholder input, that integrates and prioritizes these initiatives in a strategic approach to support the institution’s mission as well as short- and long-term goals of a reduced carbon footprint.

This webinar will provide a seven-step approach for crafting an institution’s path to achieving climate neutrality that takes into account its unique character and available administrative and financial resources, be it a large urban campus or a community college in a rural location.  The presentation will include an overview of the tools and techniques necessary to develop a climate neutrality program that can be tailored to your institution.  This webinar will also review the Climate Action Plan requirements of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

This online event will cover:

• Engaging campus stakeholders in the planning process.
• Quantifying and prioritizing GHG and carbon footprint reduction strategies. 
• Writing and implementing supporting policies and programs. 
• Setting GHG reduction targets and timetables.  
• Financing approaches. 
• Tips for tracking performance, continuous improvement, and reporting progress.
• Publicity and stakeholder outreach strategies.
  

About the Speakers

Michael T. Crowley, M.S., LEED AP
Mike is the former Assistant Director of the Harvard Green Campus Initiative and now leads EH&E's Pathways to Campus Sustainability Program.  He led the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process for 28 university buildings; managed the Green Campus Revolving Loan Fund; developed Harvard’s web-based green design/build resources; developed Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences greenhouse gas reduction commitment; and developed the Green Campus Building Service, a new business unit focused on green building consulting.

Debra Shepard, A.L.M.
Debra is a scientist in EH&E’s Pathways to Sustainability Program where she is involved in auditing and developing sustainability programs, assembling and verifying greenhouse gas inventories, validating carbon offset projects, and assisting clients in creating integrated GHG management plans and information management systems.  Her background includes seven years of experience working in academia, conducting research in environmental management and biology, and coordinating the implementation of an environmental, health, and safety management system across multiple university departments. 

Who Should Attend 

• Signatories (and their designees) of the ACUPCC and those considering joining
• Chief Financial Officers and Chief Operating Officers
• Directors of Facilities and Energy Management
• Environmental Health & Safety Directors
• Sustainability Directors

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