How Princeton plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2046

By
The Office of Communications
on Oct. 18, 2019, 10 a.m.
Play video:

Ted Borer, director of the campus energy plant, discusses the University’s ambitious Sustainability Action Plan goals and strategies to achieve them.

Video by Jared Flesher, Office of Sustainability

The University’s Sustainability Action Plan — released in April 2019 — outlined seven key action areas and included a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2046.

In this video, Ted Borer, director of the campus energy plant, discusses some of the ways the University is approaching this goal — by reducing energy usage, delivering energy efficiently and using renewable energy sources.

“What is amazing from my seat right now is seeing that the University can fully do this,” Borer said. “We actually know how to do this and we have the technology. It's not that we need to invent anything new. … Princeton has the opportunity to lead by example.”

The goals build on Princeton’s first Sustainability Plan released in 2008. Princeton is on course to meet its goal of absolute campus carbon emissions reduction to 1990 levels by the year 2020, amidst the addition of nearly 2 million square feet of building space.

The new plan’s other key action areas are reducing water usage; expanding high-performance stormwater management; increasing sustainable transportation options; reducing waste and expanding sustainable purchasing; designing and developing responsibly; and cultivating healthy and resilient habitats.

Related Stories

Princeton University sustainability plan aims for net zero emissions by 2046 .

Princeton has already achieved significant emissions reductions and energy savings over the last 10 years; the new sustainability plan sets bold targets and outlines innovative strategies.

Sustainability Action Plan increases stormwater management efforts for improved water quality and reduced runoff .

About 100 acres on Princeton's campus meet high standards for improved surface water quality and reduced runoff. The University's Sustainability Action Plan aims to expand these areas to 139 acres by 2026, and then 222 acres by 2046.

Sustainability Action Plan's efforts to reduce water usage by 26% are underway .

Tour the rainwater reuse system in the Princeton Neuroscience Institute with Paul Larzelere from Princeton Facilities.

Princeton continues significant progress toward sustainability goals .

For the second consecutive year since adopting a Sustainability Plan, Princeton University's on-campus greenhouse gas emissions have decreased. Last year, emissions declined for the first time since the University's energy-efficient cogeneration plant was installed in 1996 by a modest amount at nearly 1 percent. Emissions are now down by 2.5 percent since 2008, despite the addition of more than 360,000 square feet of building space.

Plan sets aggressive goals for Princeton sustainability efforts .

Princeton University has committed to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 as part of a comprehensive Sustainability Plan that sets ambitious goals in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, resource conservation, and research, education and civic engagement. 

The time is now .

Princeton University takes ‘net-zero’ emissions from theory to reality as it enters a new phase of campus development.

Princeton continues progress on sustainability goals, enters new phase of plan .

Princeton University's greenhouse gas emissions have remained below 2008 levels for three years, and campus water usage and landfill waste each have declined by 13 percent since 2006. These key achievements are noted in the University's third annual Sustainability Report, published online Nov. 9.