The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and partners have published a report outlining steps universities and colleges could take to decarbonize and accelerate climate action worldwide. An online toolkit accompanying the guide provides resources and case studies that are relevant for “institutions of different geographies, scales, and levels of decarbonization to account for their various needs and challenges.”
The report titled, ‘Net Zero on Campus: A guide for Universities and Colleges to Accelerate Climate Action,’ aims to support colleges and universities that have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by or before mid-century.
The report recognizes universities’ and colleges’ role in the global transformation to net zero as in addition to being significant sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions themselves, “their campuses often function like small cities and can host demonstration sites or pilot projects for novel and innovative solutions,” an SDSN press release notes.
The report describes practical initiatives campuses could introduce in the areas of energy, mobility, facilities, waste and recycling, and procurement, as well as initiatives that extend beyond campus operations. In so doing, it serves as an “accessible toolbox” for sustainability and facility managers at universities and colleges, and highlights strategies to help students drive change.
The report outlines seven guiding principles to inform pathways towards net zero:
- Build institutional structure to support net zero commitments;
- Address all emissions;
- Target reaching net zero by or before 2050;
- Demonstrate quick wins in decarbonization;
- Assess long-term costs and benefits;
- Monitor, evaluate, and learn; and
- Use net zero to engage and build alliances.
“Universities are where we learn how to learn and they will be where we learn how to change,” underscored Elena Crete, Head of the Climate and Energy program, SDSN. “It’s time we lift up our universities and mobilize our academic community to link research and practice in the pursuit of sustainable campuses,” she said.
SDSN has over 1,700 university and research institution members in 50 national and regional networks globally. It produced the report together with Monash University’s Energy Institute, and the Climateworks Centre. The guide and the toolkit were launched on 20 April 2023. [Publication: Net Zero on Campus: A guide for Universities and Colleges to Accelerate Climate Action] [Report Webpage] [SDSN Press Release]