Strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
Planning and Administration Goals
Goal 1: Strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
ABOUT THIS GOAL
This is University of Rochester’s first carbon or climate neutrality goal. The State of New York has an 85% greenhouse gas reduction goal set for 2050; the University is expected to be on par with the state, as well as align with commitments outlined with the City of Rochester’s Climate Action Plan and regional commitments within the Finger Lakes Regional Sustainability Plan.
If we succeed, the University of Rochester will produce zero campus emissions, achieved through efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization—pathways that should be inclusive of infrastructure changes, resiliency, and through a lens of social equity. The goals outlined throughout this plan represent key steps toward achieving carbon neutrality.
NEXT STEPS
The University of Rochester will need to develop and implement a detailed climate action plan that outlines specific pathways to carbon neutrality inclusive of infrastructure, resiliency, and climate justice. Such a plan will include organizational, operational, economic feasibility.
METRICS OF SUCCESS
Through continued benchmarking data for a minimum of Scopes 1 and 2 emissions, the University should see reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at key points throughout the journey to neutrality by 2050.
Goal 2: Establish a central sustainability office by 2024
ACHIEVED
RATIONALE
Housed within University Facilities and Services, the Sustainability Office provides a centralized focus on all University sustainability matters and oversees the implementation of the University’s Sustainability Plan.
METRICS OF SUCCESS
A dedicated office with coordinated efforts, updated job descriptions among existing staff, and progress on implementing this plan, including annual reports.
Goal 3: Achieve an AASHE STARS Gold rating by 2028
RATIONALE
In the spirit of Meliora “ever better,” we seek to improve from Silver to Gold, meeting or exceeding the level of our peers. Improvement in the STARS rating will follow as we implement actions within this sustainability plan.
METRICS OF SUCCESS
Achievement of STARS Gold.
Goal 4: Create and expand ongoing partnerships across the greater Rochester community to meet shared sustainability goals by 2029.
RATIONALE
Partnerships are key to augmenting the impacts of the University’s efforts and are critical for the institution to have a voice in additional policies and practices at the local, state, and federal levels.
METRICS OF SUCCESS
A robust network of relationships, memberships, and regularized participation in external community efforts with an emphasis on equity, inclusion, and climate justice.