Columbia’s Path to Net Zero
Plan 2030 is a ten-year strategic plan that outlines aggressive sustainability goals, grounded in climate science, for Columbia’s New York campuses to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The plan uses the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to establish principles and measurable targets that will help ensure Columbia will achieve this goal.
Progress at a Glance
Morningside+ has reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% since its baseline year of 2006.
A ten-year plan to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging on campus was produced this year, and two new EV ports were added on campus.
Columbia has committed to net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Columbia conducted its first ever electrification studies which will guide the University's pathway to electrification.
Columbia’s newest biomedical research building will be a 100% electric laboratory, one of the first net zero buildings of its kind in New York City.
24 new bike parking spaces were added on the Morningside campus.
MDG is currently designing the University’s first non-fossil fuel building: a 6-story renovation which will sever its reliance upon gas and fuel oil for heat generation.
Columbia is credited with 100% renewable electricity through its purchase of carbon offsets.
Lamont plans to reduce its campus water system energy consumption by replacing equipment with energy-efficient, modern equipment. Campus water pumps will be replaced with new variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps, projected to be complete by 2024.
Columbia completed a screening level inventory for Scope 3 emissions, which make up about 75% of the University’s total emissions.
The Office of Sustainability collaborated on 2 student capstone projects, committed to using the campus as a living lab.
News
Welcome to Sustainable Columbia
Welcome new students, and welcome back to those returning to campus for a new Fall semester! There's no better time to provide an overview of the myriad climate and sustainability initiatives at Columbia.
Columbia Climate School Named University Partner for Climate Week NYC 2024
The Climate Group has once again selected the Columbia Climate School as its university partner for this year’s Climate Week NYC. Running from Sept. 22-29, Climate Week NYC convenes key climate leaders to accelerate climate action and is the largest annual global climate event of its kind.
Facilities Operations Ensures Maximum Efficiency through Continuous Energy Conservation Measures
As Columbia works to achieve its goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 or sooner, a number of energy conservation measures (ECMs) are being completed across Columbia’s campuses at any given time. ECMs can help reduce the University’s energy expenditure in the short-term while longer-term projects, likebuilding electrification renovations, are in the works.