VCU news

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao has renewed VCU’s commitment to a national compact among college and university presidents to address global warming by working to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions on campuses. 

Earlier this month, Rao signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, an initiative to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by 80 percent by mid-century to avert the worst effects of global warming. Former VCU President Eugene P. Trani originally signed the commitment in April 2008.

“Dr. Rao’s signing of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment demonstrates his personal support and renews the university’s commitment in a very powerful way,” said Jacek Ghosh, director of sustainability. “His support is vital in moving the university’s efforts forward.”

Rao signed the commitment during a meeting with student leaders.

The commitment’s main thrust is for participating universities to develop a comprehensive climate action plan to achieve climate neutrality on their campuses as soon as possible. Included in the plan is a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions on campus. While developing a climate action plan, universities commit to initiate two or more of the following tangible actions to reduce their carbon footprint.

• Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least LEED Silver level standards. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

• Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.

• Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by the institution.

• Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors.

• Within one year of signing, begin purchasing or producing at least 15 percent of the institution’s electricity consumption from renewable sources.
  
  
• Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where the institution’s endowment is invested.

• Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecyleMania competition and adopt three or more associated measures to reduce waste.

Rao’s signing of the American Colleges and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment occurred during VCU’s Year of the Environment, which highlights the contributions and leadership that universities can bring to further improve Virginia’s sustainable practices and the impact on natural resources.