Carbon Offsets at Colgate University

Committed to Reducing Colgate's Carbon Footprint

Colgate University achieved carbon neutrality in 2019 and has reduced its campus carbon footprint by over 60% from its 2009 baseline.  Colgate continues to accept responsibility for its contribution to global climate change and is committed to 1) further reducing greenhouse gas emissions on campus and 2) investing in high-quality carbon offset projects that eliminate remaining emissions from Colgate's operations. 

Significant sources of emissions such as air travel, commuting, ground transportation, and some forms of energy use are currently impossible to eliminate without extraordinary cost or disruption to our academic mission. Since Colgate cannot completely eliminate these sources of emissions, purchasing offsets to maintain carbon neutrality is necessary.  

Investing in offsets creates an opportunity for education and innovation. Offsets also create a financial incentive to reduce on-campus emissions that would obviate the need to purchase future offsets on an annual and ongoing basis. While implementing on-campus projects that continue to reduce Colgate's greenhouse gas emissions remains the top priority, the University must also choose among a myriad of carbon offsets options to maintain its carbon neutral status achieved in 2019.

Examples of Offset Projects