Newswise — Babson College has signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.
This Climate Commitment is a high-visibility effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth's climate.
"There is no doubt that we are in good company with the over 600 institutions that have made this fundamental commitment to improve the energy efficiency of their respective institutions and foster a broader environmental mission," said Babson President Leonard Schlesinger. "A whole array of initiatives is underway on our campus - in and out of the classroom - all in the service of testing our ideas about how to achieve energy efficiency in a very practical way."
Building on the growing momentum for leadership and action on climate change, the Presidents Climate Commitment provides a framework and support for America's colleges and universities to go climate neutral. The Commitment recognizes the unique responsibility that institutions of higher education have as role models for their communities and in training the people who will develop the social, economic and technological solutions to reverse global warming.
Presidents signing the Commitment are pledging to eliminate their campuses' greenhouse gas emissions over time. This involves:
"¢ Completing an emissions inventory;"¢ Within two years, setting a target date and interim milestones for becoming climate neutral;"¢ Taking immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing from a list of short-term actions;"¢ Integrating sustainability into the curriculum and making it part of the educational experience; and"¢ Making the action plan, inventory and progress reports publicly available.
The college and university presidents and chancellors who are joining and leading the Commitment believe that exerting leadership in addressing climate change will stabilize and reduce their long-term energy costs, attract excellent students and faculty, attract new sources of funding, and increase the support of alumni and local communities. For more information, visit http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/index.php.
As part of this effort, Babson has established the Babson Sustainability Steering Committee (BSSC), whose mission is to minimizing the College's impact on the environment and reducing the College's dependence on non-renewable energy. This Committee is charged with establishing guidelines for the College's Sustainable Practices including: Green Building Design; Green Building Renovations; Climate Protection Practices; Clean Energy Standards; Sustainable Transportation Practices; Sustainable Operations; Recycling and Waste Management; and Environmentally Preferable Procurement.
Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., is recognized internationally as a leader in entrepreneurial management education. Babson grants BS degrees through its innovative undergraduate program, and grants MBA and custom MS and MBA degrees through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. Babson Executive Education offers executive development programs to experienced managers worldwide. For information, visit www.babson.edu.
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