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Climate Change Action Plan

The Brandeis University Climate Action Plan was released on Sept. 15, 2009.

Brandeis University Climate Action Plan (PDF)

Highlights of the Brandeis University Climate Action Plan:

• Brandeis has a goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050
•  The University will strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% below 2008 level of greenhouse gas emissions by 2015
• The Climate Action Plan is a collaborative process of students, staff, and faculty
• Uses the power of Brandeis education and creativity to solve pressing social issues

Key Actions:

• Reduce energy use 10% over 5 years- through upgrading efficiency in buildings such as new equipment and insulation
• Raise energy awareness of the impact, cost, and sources of campus energy use by providing more information to building occupants
• Support student “Eco-Reps” for each residential quad to promote creative activities, communications, and contests to reduce energy use, such as the Green Room Certification for students- who can choose to make their rooms’ energy efficient by choosing actions- such as turning off lights, unplugging “vampire” loads from appliances that are being used, and recycling. 
• Work with staff and faculty to reduce their climate impact and certify “Green Offices”.
• Investigate renewable energy options- such as solar electricity generation
• Build greener buildings with features such as day light harvesting, renewable energy, and green roofs.
• Incentive carpooling, bicycling, and public transportation use for commuting
• Expand low carbon transportation for residential students, such as bike and car share programs
• Educate Brandeis students to be sustainability leaders through hands on projects in classes, clubs, and campus leadership positions
• Buy more locally grown food and reduce waste in campus dining services
• Engage faculty to integrate climate and sustainability education as relevant issues into courses
• Launch a new interactive website, “Brandeis Forum on Environmental Crisis” that will connect the campus and world with experts on environmental issues
• The plan is a “working document” and the Campus Sustainability Initiative will work to solicit new ideas to meet climate action goals through forums and events.