A GREEN FUTURE IN THE MAKING

Austin College’s dedication to environmental sustainability began in 2008 when then-President Oscar C. Page signed the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Carbon Commitment, which initiated the development of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the College. This commitment remains strong today under President Steven P. O’Day, with the Austin College Climate Action Plan outlining an ambitious goal of achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2035— solidifying AC’s role as an environmental leader in the region.

Since 2008, Austin College has made myriad efforts to become more energy efficient and reduce its carbon emissions. “From 2010 to 2015, the college made various energy efficiency improvements, such as replacing all exterior lighting with LEDs and shifting to wind-generated electricity,” says Dr. Peter Schulze, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science. “As a result, carbon emissions declined by about 50%. Today, they are down almost 60%.” The efforts not only contribute to carbon  reduction but also reflect the College’s commitment to renewable energy sources.

“Carbon neutrality involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and purchasing offsets for unavoidable emissions,” explains Professor of Physics Dr. David Baker. In the past, Austin College has partially offset carbon emissions from student international travel through the purchase of carbon offsets. With the forward-thinking Climate Action Plan signed by President O’Day, all carbon emissions—including natural gas for heating and all College-related travel—will be balanced through high-quality, third-party verified carbon offsets. “The College just made a purchase of 600 metric tons worth of offsets through Tradewater, a carbon offset provider, and plans to continue to do so again in the future.” The College’s Climate Action Plan follows a ten-year map, breaking down the carbon offsets needed each year to achieve the 2035 complete carbon-neutral goal. Coordinator of the Center for Environmental Studies Rebecca Jones ’13 plays a crucial role in this effort, calculating the College’s greenhouse gas inventories to ensure accountability and progress.

Austin College has successfully organized carbon-neutral events by reducing carbon emissions through proactive, energy-efficient measures and by utilizing carbon offsets. “This year’s TEDxAustinCollege was carbon-neutral,” Baker says proudly. “Future events, like the Posey Leadership Award convocation and luncheon featuring climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe will also maintain this standard of carbon neutrality.” These and other “carbon-neutral campus” days are supported by generous donations that help the College work toward minimizing its environmental footprint.

Support for climate action is a long-standing tradition at Austin College, with President O’Day continuing the initiatives of his predecessors, Dr. Oscar C. Page and Dr. Marjorie Hass, by endorsing the Climate Action Plan. The College’s three-part strategy of reducing carbon emissions, pursuing renewable energy sources, and purchasing carbon offsets for unavoidable emissions exemplifies how educational institutions can lead the way in environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for sustainability that benefits not only the campus community but also the broader world. With a clear vision, tangible results, and the generosity of gifts, Austin College is well on its way to achieving its goal of carbon neutrality by 2035, proving that a greener future is on the horizon.