Greenhouse Gas Reduction � Princeton University Office of Sustainability

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction

Overview

Utility Emissions

Emissions related to our central power plant and purchased power account for the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the university. Our goal is to decrease campus carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. This goal is fully aligned with the State of New Jersey’s energy master plan and is both principled and ambitious. First, Princeton aspires to achieve the reduction to 1990 emissions levels through activities on our campus rather than through off-campus “offsets.” Second, we propose to achieve this goal after having added approximately 1.5 million square feet to the campus since 1990 and even as we now add approximately 2 million gross square feet of new construction over the next ten years. Finally, while our emissions goal does not yet reach beyond 2020, we are not ending our commitment at 2020. Given the likelihood that unforeseen technologies will emerge over the next 20 years that will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emission, and with this new information, our successors will be able to determine a new goal that continues our aggressive approach to a sustainable future.

Transportation

Transportation accounts for the second largest contributor to our campus emissions footprint. While still in early development, we recognize that Princeton transportation initiatives can serve as a model for the region, by fostering and rewarding responsible transportation habits among its community members. The goals in this category apply to vehicles commuting to campus and the campus fleet.

Princeton University Office of Sustainability

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction

Overview

Utility Emissions

Transportation

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