Macalester College Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2025

Macalester College submitted its first long-term plan for combating climate change to the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in an effort to eliminate waste and move to carbon neutrality by 2025.

"The threats posed by global climate change to our survival are daunting," said Macalester President Brian Rosenberg. "This plan demonstrates our commitment to living our values and preparing each generation to confront the challenges they will face in the years ahead. We hope that in 2025 our first-year students will be proud to attend a college that has successfully demonstrated leadership in sustainability and is carbon neutral."

Provisions of the plan included reducing energy consumption, water consumption, and travel emissions, as well as adopting a green purchasing policy and implementing sustainability in the curriculum.

"Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff participated in the development of this plan, and it is through their commitment and vision that the college will make meaningful changes to reduce its carbon footprint," said Suzanne Hansen, sustainability manager, in a prepared statement.

The ACUPCC is providing Macalester College with support and resources to further its climate objectives.

Macalester College serves 1,900 students in St. Paul, MN. Information on the college's facilities and grounds can be found here.

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Dan Thompson is a freelance writer based in Brea, CA. He can be reached here.

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