News News Release

Concordia Launches Climate Action Plan to Become Carbon Neutral by 2050

For more information:

Dr. Ken Foster/President’s Sustainability Council Chair

foster@cord.edu

Candace Harmon/Media Relations

Charmon1@cord.edu

Concordia Launches Climate Action Plan to Become Carbon Neutral by 2050

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Concordia College officially launched its first Climate Action Plan with a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. The plan, created by the President’s Sustainability Council with input from across campus, was announced Thursday, March 30.

“There is no more pressing global need than addressing the reality of climate change,” said President William Craft.

The plan aims to fulfill obligations the college pledged to support when President Craft signed the national Integrated Climate Commitment (ICC) in 2017. The ICC is run by Second Nature, a nonprofit working to accelerate climate action in institutions of higher education.

Concordia College aims to become carbon neutral by drastically reducing its carbon emissions.

In the short term, the college will build on its quick and low-cost strategies that include completing thermostat and lighting control upgrades and supporting campus campaigns that focus on changing behaviors, such as using alternative transportation and purchasing local foods.

The long-term goal is to address the top energy use: heating and cooling. The college contracted with an engineering firm that assessed a geothermal system would be the most effective strategy for reaching emissions targets. To determine if a geothermal system is feasible, over the next several years, the Sustainability Council will actively monitor for public policy grants and incentives that could be used to help with funding. It will also seek partnerships with other organizations that could share the system.  

The plan also centers on building community resiliency. This effort will focus on building collaborative partnerships, advancing equity, and promoting the health of our surrounding ecological systems.

Additionally, the plan includes ensuring that all students gain knowledge and skills needed to act on climate issues. Some of the strategies to accomplish this are including sustainability coursework into the core curriculum and providing faculty development opportunities on climate change and sustainability.

 “The college is compelled to act to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for engaged citizenship – to care for the earth, be responsible, and work for equity and justice,” said Dr. Ken Foster, chair of the President’s Sustainability Council.

 

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