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
-
New York City Carbon Challenge
Mandated
Building Net Zero News
Student-Led Electric Vehicles Organization Completes Phase 1 of Charging Plan Project for Columbia
The Electric Vehicles Organization (EVO), a student group with a “mission to integrate Columbia University students into the sustainable transportation ecosystem on campus, in NYC, and across industry,” presented to the Office of Sustainability, Columbia Transportation, and other Columbia stakeholders on their Campus as a Living Lab project.
Columbia Hosts First Ever Fleet Show on College Walk
In honor of Campus Sustainability Month and Columbia’s climate and sustainability commitments in the transportation sector, the University hosted its first ever fleet show on October 16.
Columbia Achieves 100% Net Zero Emission Electricity for 2023 with Offsets
Continuing its 2018 commitment to achieve 100% net zero emissions electricity, Columbia University has again taken action to mitigate emissions associated with its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from purchased electricity.