Yale has released its 2011 Progress Report for the Yale Sustainability Strategic Plan 2010-2013. This update highlights many of the major milestones achieved and outlines the direction that sustainability initiatives must take to successfully meet the remaining goals outlined for 2013.
Yale has released its 2011 Progress Report for the Yale Sustainability Strategic Plan 2010-2013. This update highlights many of the major milestones achieved and outlines the direction that sustainability initiatives must take to successfully meet the remaining goals outlined for 2013. For a more comprehensive update, please visit the Office of Sustainability website. The efforts documented in the Progress Report demonstrate the on-going leadership and commitment the institution has shown towards advancing a sustainable future both for Yale and the world.
In the fall of 2010, Yale President, Richard C. Levin, announced the University’s commitment to achieve the goals outlined in The Sustainability Strategic Plan 2010-2013. The visionary, yet achievable goals are framed by four different categories: Campus Systems, Administrative Systems, Earth Systems and Education & Engagement. Within these sections, a combination of measurable and conceptual goals provides a foundation for strengthening Yale’s commitment into the future.
Yale made significant progress on the following quantitative goals:
- The University’s recycling rate increased from 21% to 26.5%, exceeding the 2013 goal.
- Municipal solid waste has decreased from 6,073 short tons in 2009 to 4,839 short tons in 2011, representing a 20% reduction.
- Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced 11% below 2005 levels.
- Commuting by single-occupancy vehicle has decreased from 36% to 34% between 2009 and 2011.
In addition to the above quantitative goals, the University is on task to complete the six conceptual plans that were called for including water and storm water management, sustainable transportation plan, sustainable landscape guidelines, an ecosystems management plan and a sustainability supplement.
Success of Yale’s sustainability goals depends on the active contribution and engagement of every member of the Yale community, exhibiting leadership at the individual, unit, and institutional levels. According to the Yale Office of Sustainability Director, Julie Newman, “We must work together and embrace each of these goals as a community effort.” View the full report and theSustainability Strategic Plan at the Office of Sustainability website.