New York University unveils climate action plan

New York University has put forth a climate action plan that calls for the school to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions per square foot by 30 percent from fiscal years 2006 to 2017. In the long-term, NYU plans to fulfill by fiscal year 2040 the net-zero emissions “climate neutrality” goal that is part of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

Because more than 96 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by NYU are attributed to the energy used in heating, cooling and powering university facilities, administrators are focusing their efforts on reducing greenhouse gases associated with its energy system.

From fiscal 2007 to 2009, the university has reduced its energy use per square foot by 15 percent.