The built environment accounts for an estimated 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, a major contributor to global climate disruption. Given the environmental and health problems exacerbated by the construction and use of campus buildings, hundreds of institutions of higher learning are building high-performance, healthy facilities that reduce or eliminate harmful emissions and waste and increase quality of life and productivity for their occupants. However, many public universities, religious, community, and technical colleges, and institutions that serve financially disadvantaged and minority students have fewer resources to spend on bricks and mortar projects, less in-house knowledge about green building, and a limited opportunity to learn from similar schools that have excelled in green building. Many are unaware that green building will result in 10-20% annual energy savings over the long-term.
Second Nature’s work through its Advancing Green Building program showed that there are significant opportunities for cost savings and new funding opportunities for institutions that take a proactive leadership role in pursuing sustainability. Participating institutions expect to save an estimated $5.4 million and secure $2.8 million as a result of program-related activities. US higher education generates 3 million graduates each year, going on to make choices that guide and shape our society and economy. Their formal education is a crucial part of the solution to climate change and other sustainability challenges.
Under-resourced schools represent 31% of the US institutions of higher learning and they account for one-third of the student population. If they don’t keep pace, they will become further marginalized within the system. Moreover, these institutions often serve at-risk populations who have the most to lose from the impact of climate disruption. They also have a wealth of experience in leading change through civil rights and social justice movements, and they have the most to gain from creating resilient communities and a sustainable society. With some strategic assistance they have much to contribute to these efforts. We believe that without their active participation and leadership, we will not be able to create a sustainable future as a society.
Second Nature is a Boston-based nonprofit organization that works to accelerate movement towards a sustainable future by helping senior college and university leaders in making healthy, just, and sustainable living the foundation of all learning and practice in higher education. Second Nature is the lead supporting organization of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which has been signed by more than 675 college and university presidents whoa re committed to eliminating carbon emission on campus and training students to help society address the climate crisis.
For more information about Second Nature's programs click here.
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