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By the year 2040, NYU will be climate neutral.
By the year 2040, NYU will be climate neutral.
That means we'll achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by drastically reducing our usage and offsetting the rest through climate action.
Check it out: NYU 2040 PLAN
NYU's 2040 Plan is a part of NYU's goal of becoming one of the greenest campuses in the United States.
Since we started this plan we’ve installed solar panels on the roof of Bobst, which generate 110 kilowatts of photovoltaic energy for the library. We’ve eliminated single-use plastic water bottles, and reduced our carbon footprint by 7% in our dining facilities. We have committed to LEED silver or higher certifications for all our new construction projects. And this summer, we will embark on a renovation project at Rubin Hall that will be the largest of its kind adhering to rigorous Passive House principles, which will serve as proof we can protect the integrity of historic structures and still drastically reduce the energy consumption in older buildings. These are just some of the reasons the Princeton Review ranked NYU as one of the top 30 Green Colleges in the United States.
A 50 Percent Reduction by 2025
A 50 Percent Reduction by 2025
This chart shows the reductions NYU has made from 2006 through 2019 and how NYU expects to achieve the remaining progress toward its 2025 reduction goal.
Climate Commitments and Reporting
Climate Commitments and Reporting
Climate Leadership Initiative (formerly the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment): In 2007, NYU became a charter signatory, committing to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. NYU reports its emissions to Second Nature.
New York City Carbon Challenge: Also in 2007, NYU committed to achieving a 30% reduction in building-related emissions by 2017. After meeting that goal in 2012, NYU increased its target to a 50% reduction by 2025. This goal is tracked and reported to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.
Cool Food Pledge: In 2020, NYU joined this commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food 25% by 2030. This goal is tracked and reported to the World Resources Institute.
Starting in 2025, NYU will report its building-related emissions to the City as a part of the Climate Mobilization Act’s Local Law 97, which establishes a GHG emissions cap for every building over 25,000 sq ft.
See how NYU calculates its greenhouse gas inventory HERE
NYU Food Commitment
NYU Food Commitment
“What we eat matters,” said Andrew Hamilton, president of NYU. On World Food Day 2020, NYU committed to taking part in the Cool Food Pledge with over 30 organizations worldwide, which pledged to reduce food-related greenhouse emissions by 25 percent by 2030. The Cool Food Pledge will provide guidance on how to provide sustainable foods. It will also rate its members annually, so they know what to improve in the following years.
All dining halls in New York, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi will now incorporate more plant-based and protein-rich entrees in their menus. More vegetarian options will be available. NYU also pledged to reduce its emissions in food production, transportation, and waste disposal. In addition, more kitchen classes are offered at the university to teach students how to cook their own sustainable food. By doing so, NYU can raise their awareness about food-related greenhouse gas emissions.
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