Plan 2030 Implementation Pathways
Implementation of Plan 2030 can be separated into two areas of focus: Building Net Zero (BNZ) and Living Net Zero (LNZ). Both are essential to reaching the University's commitment of net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Actions Columbia’s schools, departments, and individuals can take to reduce environmental impact and contribute to Columbia’s sustainability goals.
Refers to the operational decisions of the University surrounding energy systems, construction, and other high-level activities that result in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol classifies an organization’s GHG emissions into three “Scopes” for tracking and reporting. To learn more about how each of the Scopes fit into Columbia's Building Net Zero (BNZ) and Living Net Zero (LNZ) categories, see this PDF table.
Columbia’s Priority Areas
Current Progress
As of 2022, Columbia’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions come primarily from onsite combustion of fossil fuels and electricity on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses.
Columbia commits to electrification and 100% renewable electricity. We're getting there through these efforts:
Campus Electrification
Electrification studies for all campus portfolios underway and results will determine path towards strategic electrification, including compliance with local laws and carbon neutrality.
Construction Design Standards
Ensure design, construction and refresh process align with long-term goal to decarbonize and achieve zero waste.
Transportation
Assess EV charging needs and station expansion plan, and achieve zero emission fleet by 2037.
Science-based targets (SBTs) provide a clearly defined trajectory to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. More than a thousand public entities globally are adopting SBT to translate the latest climate science from global calculations to institution-specific targets. The targets outlined in Plan 2030, calculated from the base year of 2019, align all Columbia’s campuses at the highest level to take immediate action on GHG reduction efforts.
Morningside Campus
- 82 buildings
- Central Plant
Manhattanville Campus
- 6 buildings
- Central Plant
Residential
- 171 buildings
CUIMC
- 21 buildings
LDEO
- 17 buildings
Columbia is tracking its progress through both voluntary and mandated reporting structures.
Voluntary
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New York City Carbon Challenge
Mandated
Building Net Zero News
Columbia University Earns LEED Gold Certification for New Residential Building at 600 W. 125th Street
Columbia University was awarded LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for 600 W. 125th Street, a 34-story residential building for graduate students and faculty on the southwest corner of 125th Street and Broadway that opened in 2024.
Climate Week 2025 News
This Climate Week, we’re highlighting initiatives across Facilities and Operations that contribute to Columbia’s sustainability goals.
Building-Wide Renovations Completed at 518 W. 111th Street
32 fully renovated apartments, all-electric building resulted from 18-month renovation project.