SOU’s 10 Commitments to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We have 10 commitments to set us on the pathway to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Our 10 commitments focus on greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations, recognizing the strong links that this area of work has with curriculum, higher education leadership and wider engagement. SOU will continue to build collaborations between curriculum, students and operations through on-campus projects and living laboratory work. We also recognize that higher education has a role to go beyond net zero, and demonstrate climate-positive. We will harness creativity and innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward net-zero emissions.

1. Achieve 100% daytime electricity use through renewable electricity generation on campus by 2035
2. Achieve 100% electric campus fleet by 2030
3. Improve energy efficiency by 25% within 10 years (base year 2022
4. Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% by 2033 (base year 2022)
5. Reduce waste and increase diversion from landfill to 70% by 2030.
6. Increase number of EV charging stations on campus
7. Implement SOU’s Sustainability and Equity in Purchasing Policy
8. Improve commute transport related greenhouse gas emissions for staff, student and faculty
9. Improve business travel-related greenhouse gas emissions
10. Commit to a pathway to move away from natural gas