Getting to Zero: Central Connecticut State University Targets Climate Neutrality

Climate change is one of the most complex and difficult challenges the world faces, and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has stepped up into a leadership position on the issue. As a signatory to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), CCSU is on its way to climate neutrality, and a key step on that path is preparing and implementing a Climate Action Plan (CAP). With the deadline for submitting its CAP to the ACUPCC looming, CCSU turned to Woodard & Curran for help.

Building on a Strong Foundation
CCSU has been focused on sustainability for years, and had worked with Woodard & Curran on sustainability projects in the past, including a baseline assessment and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. Woodard & Curran helped CCSU identify additional data needed for emissions calculations that would inform the CAP and did a series of projections to illustrate how emissions mitigation strategies would reduce the campus carbon footprint.

Creating the Plan
Using the principles of the ACUPCC Implementation Guide, which lays out the recommended process and format, and Woodard & Curran’s conceptual model of the critical components that should be integrated into a CAP, CCSU and Woodard & Curran set to work drafting the Plan.

CCSU’s CAP divides the selected climate mitigation strategies, chosen with consideration for CCSU’s particular emissions sources, location, and culture, into three phases. The initial phase lays out specific projects to reduce emissions 20% by 2015. The second phase describes likely follow-up projects and strategies, and the final phase offers ideas to be refined as the process moves along. The plan considers opportunities ranging from renewable energy production, to energy efficiency improvements, procurement strategies, and carbon offsets.

CCSU submitted its CAP on time, and was among the first wave of ACUPCC signatories to complete this process.