Nore Deme has promised to become a carbon-neutral campus by 2050, said University President F. John Jenkins announced Friday.
The announcement was made during Jenkins’ inaugural keynote address at this year’s annual Notre Dame Forum in Washington, D.C.
Not on the road to full carbon neutrality It plans to achieve a 65% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
These announcements indicate the continuation of the University’s recent ongoing campus efforts, most recently Avoid the use of coal A.D. In 2019, by Pope Francis 2015 Encyclopedia “Laudato C”.
Achieving these goals will include a lengthy review process, as well as numerous improvements to campus infrastructure, including the use of geothermal wells, conversion of greenhouse gases into heaters and the use of solar energy as a source of energy. The university also employs emerging technologies.
Due to previous energy efficiency initiatives, the university has exceeded its 2010 target of 50% reduction in total carbon emissions by 2030.
Consumer and maintenance assistant vice president Paul Kemp and his team’s decarbonation efforts include the construction of the largest green roof in Indiana, food waste reduction and large loads of solar, geothermal and hydroelectric sources.
Jenkins also praised the University for its efforts in sustainability.
Since 2008 at the university, especially in The research area has increased one-third of our square meters, requiring more heating, lighting and cooling. ” “Despite the increase in space, energy consumption has decreased by 11%. I thank those who are responsible and thoughtful for these wonderful accomplishments. ”
The Nore Dem Forum will continue its discussion of sustainability during the 2021-2022 school year, which began on Saturday with another installment of “Saturday with the Saints.”