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Office of Sustainability
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-8163
United States
American University is Carbon Neutral
Through our innovative approach to reducing emissions, using green power, and purchasing strategic carbon offsets, American University achieved carbon neutrality two years ahead of schedule.
First University to Reach Neutrality
AU is proud toÌýbe 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 our overall emissions, 2) use renewable energy, and 3) offset the small remainder.
This milestone wasÌýachieved through commitment, leadership, and community effort. Students led every step of this journey; they have always encouraged the university to broaden how we think about sustainability and strive for more. StaffÌýwho build and manage our campusÌýembraced the commitment to sustainability, while facultyÌýintegrated sustainability into classes and processes to reflect their sustainability commitment.Ìý
Achieving Carbon Neutrality
- Learn more about how American University achieved carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.ÌýÌý
- Hear from Megan Litke, Director of Sustainability Programs, about how AU achieved carbon neutrality throughÌýstrategic planning and partnerships.
- View about carbon neutrality.Ìý
Carbon Neutrality Case Study
Carbon Neutrality in the Media
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Three Strategies for Achieving Neutrality
Reduce Our Use
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions wasÌýthe most important step AU tookÌýto achieve carbon neutrality. To maintain neutrality, AU has programs to engage the whole community in practicing sustainable habits.
Use Renewable Energy
Using 100% emissions-free electricity drives down AU's carbon footprint and contributes to sustainable practices.
Offset the Rest
Some sources of GHG emissions cannotÌýbe completely eliminated with our current technology. Strategic offset initiatives allow AU to balanceÌýtheÌýGHG emissions our community produces from sources like air travel and commuting.
