Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 74.18
Liaison Allie Schwartz
Submission Date Nov. 30, 2012
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.1

Columbia University
PAE-5: Climate Action Plan

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Cathy Resler
Manager
Office of Environmental Stewardship
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a plan to mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions that meets the criteria for this credit?:
Yes

A brief summary of the climate plan’s long-term goals:

The university participates in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Challenge initiative for local colleges and universities.. In accordance with the PlaNYC Challenge, the University plans to reduce emissions by 30% from a 2005-2006 baseline by 2017 and the Medical Center’s target is a 30% greenhouse gas reduction by 2025. The University plans to continue its energy and greenhouse gas saving efforts well beyond the duration of the PlaNYC Challenge


A brief summary of the climate plan’s short-term goals:

he CUMC Campus Energy Master Plan guides carbon reduction strategies for 30% greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. The plan addresses the environmental dimensions of sustainability mainly through the targeted focus of greenhouse gas reductions. This reduction is gained mainly through a focus on energy reduction, particularly targeting consumption and peak demand for electricity with a mindful focus on fuel sources and minimization of those with the most negative environmental footprint.

All projects provide training for those using/performing service on the equipment in the space, including information on the materials included. Also, projects include community awareness (both to the Columbia community and the surrounding community). This is done through a sustainability awareness campaign that works to translate the benefits of projects, including the social benefit, such as improved working environments through enhanced mechanical control or reduced asthma rates through removal of dirty fuels.
All measures are identified and prioritized based upon the largest bottom line impact, taking into account both first costs and life cycle. This prioritization also helps to prioritize a reinvestment plan for those projects that may not pay back as quickly, but have an environmental benefit that justifies their implementation.

Climate Change Initiatives
http://environment.columbia.edu/climatechange/
CUMC Energy Plan:
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/facilities-management/energy/energy-goals


Year the climate plan was formally adopted or approved:
2,008

The website URL where information about the climate plan is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The Morningside campus climate plan was adopted in 2008 and revised in 2012. CUMC’s climate plan was formally adopted Earth Day 2011.


The Morningside campus climate plan was adopted in 2008 and revised in 2012. CUMC’s climate plan was formally adopted Earth Day 2011.

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