SU Commits to 'Climate Neutral' Campus

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University President Janet Dudley-Eshbach recently joined leaders from more than 400 colleges and universities across the nation in the fight against global warming.

By signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, Dudley-Eshbach pledged to move SU toward climate neutrality, with no net greenhouse gas emissions.  SU will reduce its emissions and accelerate awareness efforts needed to help the local community, and the broader society, re-stabilize the earth’s climate.

"Colleges and universities must lead efforts to reverse global warming for the health and well-being of current and future generations," said Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University and a founding member of the ACUPCC Leadership Circle. "On behalf of all the signatories, I welcome President Janet Dudley Eshbach to the commitment."  SU joins eight other Maryland institutions making the pledge, including four from the University System of Maryland.

As part of the commitment, the President has initiated the development of a comprehensive institutional action plan to move towards climate neutrality. A preliminary study, known as a “carbon inventory,” is already underway by students from SU’s Small Business Development Center and the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network.

In addition, SU plans to establish a policy requiring all new campus construction projects meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or an equivalent, including the new home for the Perdue School of Business.

This effort builds on SU’s ongoing sustainability commitment, including its recent partnership with Pepco Energy Services, Inc. on campus-wide energy conservation measures that total more than $5.3 million in savings – a plan lauded by the Maryland Board of Public Works.  SU is also building an environmental friendly Teacher Education and Technology Center.

The Presidents Climate Commitment is the first effort of its kind to target climate neutrality, not just a reduction. It was inspired by efforts such as the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, and is supported by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Second Nature and ecoAmerica. Learn more at www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu/president/sustainabilityinitiatives.