Campus News

February 28, 2011

Take Note

Input wanted to lighten Emory's carbon load

A Carbon Action Plan is in the works for Emory, and faculty, staff and students are invited to a forum March 3, at 4 p.m. in 205 White Hall to share ideas and recommendations.

"Emory's senior administrators have authorized a process of campus-wide consultations and feasibility studies to determine appropriate carbon reduction targets and an action plan to achieve them," according to a statement from the committee formed to develop the plan.

Speakers at the forum will include:

• Executive Vice President of Finance Mike Mandl on the institutional commitment to carbon reduction;

• Center of Ethics Director Paul Wolpe on the ethical imperative;

• Bob Agnew, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Sociology, about magnitude of social issues related to climate change;

• Hiram Maxim, associate professor of German studies, regarding Emory's current carbon footprint; and

• Student and Bobby Jones Scholar Rebecca Petford regarding other schools' commitments.

The Carbon Reduction Taskforce in Campus Services will be investigating technology needs, cost and staffing associated with various carbon-reduction options. The President's Cabinet is expected to decide on a carbon action plan this fall.

Over the last five years, total energy used per square foot is down 15 percent, mainly through behavioral change.

The University has renovated five key buildings for energy efficiency at a cost of $4.5 million. Nine more buildings are scheduled to start renovations in April; projected cost is $8.8 million.

For more information on the forum, contact Erica Weaver in the Office of Sustainability Initiatives at 404.727.9916.

File Options

  • Print Icon Print