Sustaining Success
The University of Delaware will reduce its carbon emissions - virtually all of which come from the energy used in campus buildings and for transportation - 20 percent by 2020, President Patrick Harker announced at a special Earth Day program Wednesday.
In a relatively short period of time, the term "sustainability" has entered the lexicon of nearly every department on campus. A panel of experts from a wide range of academic disciplines will assemble to discuss what they see as the critical sustainability issues facing their field or industry at a forum slated for from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, in Clayton Hall.
Earth Week will be marked by a variety of events from April 15-25, including the announcement by UD President Patrick Harker of the University's Climate Action Plan, a talk by student activist Shanah Trevenna on "Growing a Sustainable Campus," a transportation fair and a tree planting, among others.
Visitors at the University of Delaware's 32nd annual Coast Day will notice some important changes to this year's event. The additions, which include a composting area and extra bike racks, are part of an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the annual event.
UD is joining colleges and universities across the nation in going trayless--part of the effort to go green by saving energy and water and decreasing food waste and the use of cleaning chemicals.
Suggestions
Sustainability is inherently rooted in the core principles of the University of Delaware, through research, action and engagement.
Through leading-edge research and scholarship on solar technology, fuel cells, sustainable landfills, offshore wind power and many other fields, the University produces research and scholarship that significantly affects the world and the State of Delaware.
By incorporating sustainability into its own operations, the University develops the infrastructure and financial base to ensure the University of Delaware continues to propel and sustain a path to prominence. While the University has had many successes in sustainability, it will continue to work to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the University.
UD offers sustainability-related coursework in engineering, history, geography, wildlife ecology, marine studies and many other areas, providing a high-quality learning environment in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
The University of Delaware has joined other colleges and universities in supporting these two sustainability initiatives:
Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future/Talloires Declaration: View a .pdf (20kb)
American University and Presidents Climate Commitment:
Visit the web site