April 22, 2008
Kerwin commits to climate neutrality
 President Neil Kerwin signs the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment |
President Neil Kerwin underscored AU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental activism on Apr. 21, when he signed an agreement requiring the university to move toward climate neutrality.
AU joined forces with more than 500 universities across the country by adopting the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which addresses the threats posed by global warming. “Our challenge will be to reach ambitious goals for the future of the university with heightened attention on how our practices as a community affect the environment,” said Kerwin.
“We are making a commitment to consider climate neutrality among the important priorities for American University’s future and are establishing a set of explicit objectives for which we will be accountable,” he continued. “Like our larger strategic plan, our climate commitment plan will be a dynamic document, revisited periodically.”
With Kerwin’s signature, AU pledges to inventory all its greenhouse gas emissions— including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel—and update the inventory every two years. The campus community must also develop an action plan for becoming climate neutral.
“I am confident that we can meet the expectation to educate our students and entire university community on global warming, create institutional responses, and embrace the commitment that AU continue its leadership role as a socially responsible university with strong values and actionable ideals,” said Kerwin.
