Climate Change Action

Mitigating global climate change is recognized as one of the most pressing issues facing society today. Acknowledging its unique position to play a leadership role in addressing this global challenge, under President Richard C. Levin, Yale University has committed itself to a greenhouse gas reduction target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2020.

To learn more about Yale University's climate action initiatives view the slide show below. For more detailed information on each initiative click "read more."

Committed to Action on Climate Change
Yale University has established a fifteen year action plan to take responsibility for its emissions and will focus on increasing efficiency of on-campus energy production and distribution, energy conservation initiatives, testing renewable energy technologies, and requiring a LEED Gold minimum standard for new construction and large renovations.

Committed to Action on Climate Change
Yale University has established a fifteen year action plan to take responsibility for its emissions and will focus on increasing efficiency of on-campus energy production and distribution, energy conservation initiatives, testing renewable energy technologies, and requiring a LEED Gold minimum standard for new construction and large renovations.
Renewable Energy
Yale University recognizes the role renewable energy technologies play in reducing campus carbon emissions. Energy generated from wind, solar, and hydro power emits zero to low emissions. As a result, Yale has launched a series of demonstration sites across campus to test a variety of emerging technologies. At each site Yale is assessing the technology’s performance capabilities, ease of campus integration, short-and long-term costs (based on the technology’s carbon reduction per capital dollar invested), and opportunities for student and public education. The information gathered will allow us to make informed technology selections that best fit the long-term needs of the University while also mitigating its greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Energy
Yale University recognizes the role renewable energy technologies play in reducing campus carbon emissions. Energy generated from wind, solar, and hydro power emits zero to low emissions. As a result, Yale has launched a series of demonstration sites across campus to test a variety of emerging technologies. At each site Yale is assessing the technology’s performance capabilities, ease of campus integration, short-and long-term costs (based on the technology’s carbon reduction per capital dollar invested), and opportunities for student and public education. The information gathered will allow us to make informed technology selections that best fit the long-term needs of the University while also mitigating its greenhouse gas emissions.
Waste Reduction
Yale’s annual disposal of over 6,000 tons of waste contributes to the University’s scope 3 emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are created during both the transport of waste and at the incineration facility. Yale is making significant efforts to cut waste through its source reduction, recycling, and repurposing programs.

Waste Reduction
Yale’s annual disposal of over 6,000 tons of waste contributes to the University’s scope 3 emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are created during both the transport of waste and at the incineration facility. Yale is making significant efforts to cut waste through its source reduction, recycling, and repurposing programs.
Transportation
Transportation related emissions account for approximately 24 percent of Yale’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Yale’s fleet, considered scope 1 emissions, contribute less than 1 percent to that total. The majority of Yale’s transportation emissions are a result of commuting and university related travel, both scope 3 emissions. The University's Transportation Options department’s comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include programs such as ZipCar, a campus shuttle, commuter counseling, guaranteed ride home, and the use of alternative fuels for fleet vehicles. Furthermore, students, staff, and faculty are all offered incentives to carpool or take mass transit as a way to decrease single occupancy vehicles coming to campus.

Transportation
Transportation related emissions account for approximately 24 percent of Yale’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Yale’s fleet, considered scope 1 emissions, contribute less than 1 percent to that total. The majority of Yale’s transportation emissions are a result of commuting and university related travel, both scope 3 emissions. The University's Transportation Options department’s comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include programs such as ZipCar, a campus shuttle, commuter counseling, guaranteed ride home, and the use of alternative fuels for fleet vehicles. Furthermore, students, staff, and faculty are all offered incentives to carpool or take mass transit as a way to decrease single occupancy vehicles coming to campus.
Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a primary goal for Yale University. In order to meet Yale’s greenhouse gas reduction goal while the campus continues to expand, efficient practices are implemented in both existing and new buildings. Each energy saving strategy is evaluated to determine the carbon reduction per operating dollar incurred. The strategies with the highest returns are implemented first, to ensure the most efficient planning. Each individual step can add up to significant total amounts of energy saved.

Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a primary goal for Yale University. In order to meet Yale’s greenhouse gas reduction goal while the campus continues to expand, efficient practices are implemented in both existing and new buildings. Each energy saving strategy is evaluated to determine the carbon reduction per operating dollar incurred. The strategies with the highest returns are implemented first, to ensure the most efficient planning. Each individual step can add up to significant total amounts of energy saved.
Sustainable Buildings
Yale buildings are the largest contributor to the University’s carbon footprint. With over 300 buildings on campus to heat, cool and provide electricity to, the manner in which each building is designed, constructed and managed can have significant impact on the University’s greenhouse gas reduction goal.

Sustainable Buildings
Yale buildings are the largest contributor to the University’s carbon footprint. With over 300 buildings on campus to heat, cool and provide electricity to, the manner in which each building is designed, constructed and managed can have significant impact on the University’s greenhouse gas reduction goal.
Information Technology Systems
According to the Environmental Protection Agency computers and monitors in the United States are responsible for the unnecessary production of millions of tons of greenhouse gases every year. Yale's Information Technology Systems (ITS) department has put several programs and policies in place to reduce the amount of energy consumed by servers, computers, printers and other associated technologies. The ITS department can make a major contribution in reaching the University's greenhouse gas reduction goal.

Information Technology Systems
According to the Environmental Protection Agency computers and monitors in the United States are responsible for the unnecessary production of millions of tons of greenhouse gases every year. Yale's Information Technology Systems (ITS) department has put several programs and policies in place to reduce the amount of energy consumed by servers, computers, printers and other associated technologies. The ITS department can make a major contribution in reaching the University's greenhouse gas reduction goal.