(uskings.us) In 2018, American University (AU) was proud to be the first urban campus, the first research university, and the largest higher education institution in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality.
American University was the first large campus and the first university to become carbon neutral in 2018. The university is often at or near the top of STARS and Cool Schools rankings due to their culture of sustainability as well as their commitment to zero waste, alternative energy, LEED-certified buildings, and more.
The American University (AU or American) is a private research university in Washington, D.C. Its main campus spans 90 acres (36 ha) on Ward Circle, mostly in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Northwest D.C. AU was chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893 at the urging of Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst, who sought to create an institution that would promote public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism. AU broke ground in 1902, opened in 1914, and admitted its first undergraduates in 1925.
It has over 160 programs, including 71 bachelor’s degrees, 87 master’s degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees, as well as JD, LLM, and SJD programs. AU’s student body numbers over 13,000 and represents all 50 U.S. states and 141 countries; around a fifth of students are international. It is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”.
In 2018, AU was proud to be the first urban campus, the first research university, and the largest higher education institution in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality.
AU achieved carbon neutrality two years ahead of an ambitious target of 2020 by approaching the goal with three innovative strategies: 1) Reduce overall emissions, 2) use renewable energy, and 3) offset the small remainder.
This milestone was achieved through commitment, leadership, and community effort. Students led every step of this journey; they have always encouraged the university to broaden how the communication think about sustainability and strive for more. Staff who build and manage the campus embraced the commitment to sustainability, while faculty integrated sustainability into classes and processes to reflect their sustainability commitment.
According to american.edu; en.Wikipedia
