Going Green: Hollins University plan to be carbon neutral by 2040

Hollins University has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2040.

The school’s climate action plans targets a 3% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions each year, for the next five years.

“Climate change presents us with a societal emergency and an imperative for innovation,” said Hollins President Nancy Gray in a news release.  “We are pleased with the level of input and engagement among students, faculty and staff to create our Climate Action Plan,” Gray added.

The school says each member of its campus community is being asked to help by, “pledging to address energy, sustainable food, water conservation, commuting, recycling, and other sustainability issues while at Hollins and at home.“

Hollins says their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint will include:

• Energy audits for all campus buildings, which include a physical survey of each building and its mechanical and electrical systems; calculation of heating and cooling load requirements; an analysis of the potential at each building for installing renewable energy systems; and recommendations for potential energy conservation measures.
• A student-initiated “green fee,” introduced this fall, which will be directed toward environmental projects that support reducing carbon consumption.
• Trayless dining in the university dining hall, also launched at the beginning of the academic year, which will save water and waste.
• “Battle of the Bins,” a recycling bin painting contest, which has been held each fall since 2005 and helps promote recycling among students, faculty and staff.

The climate action plan is part of Hollins University’s commitment as a signatory of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).  The group includes 650 schools across the U.S. in an effort to take action against global warming.