Plan 2030 | Sustainable Columbia

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 2021-2030

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. Building on the goals achieved in its first sustainability plan, Columbia has developed this plan in conjunction with its own Earth Institute scientists and faculty, using guidance from the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to establish principles and measurable targets that will help ensure Columbia will achieve this goal. Achieving these targets requires an increased commitment across all areas of the University, and the ability to model sustainable values within every part of its culture – the way it educates, operates, designs, constructs, and manages resources.

Plan Contents

Introduction

Progress Since First Plan

Climate Leadership

Trajectory to Net Zero Emissions

Measuring Progress to Net Zero

Commitment Areas

To achieve the targets outlined in the Climate Leadership and Trajectory to Net Zero sections, the University has set specific goals with detailed strategies in six key commitment areas below. The content in these areas was developed by sustainability planning working groups with faculty, student, and administrator participation.

Campus Energy

Achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, with an eye toward on-campus solutions.

Sustainable Transportation

Reduce emissions from on-campus fleet vehicles, commuters, and business travel.

Responsible Design and Construction

Ensure the design, construction, and refresh processes at all campuses support the University’s long-term goal to both decarbonize and achieve zero waste.