In September 2007, American Public University System (APUS) signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) as a charter signatory. There are now more than 600 signatories to the commitment. Each institution is required to complete and submit a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory within one year of signing the commitment (click here to view APUS’ GHG Emissions Inventory) and within two years of signing, signatories are required to complete and submit a Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is a statement of measures the university has already taken and measures it intends to undertake to address and mitigate its GHG emissions and carbon footprint.
Aside from these specific requirements, there are several others which are more flexible, allowing schools to be creative in how they implement them. One such requirement is that of public engagement and education. To implement the requirements of the commitment, APUS has established a Sustainability Committee. This group, comprised of interested employees, is tasked with researching and proposing strategies to fulfill APUS’ requirements. The group has already brought several well-researched and worthwhile proposals to our leadership team for review and consideration. Most recently, the Sustainability Committee established a Sustainability blog which will help provide some public outreach and education on issues related to sustainability.
Committee members will provide articles for the blog and from time to time, the Committee may publish articles from guest authors. Focusing on issues of sustainability in higher education, APUS actions related to sustainability, and issues of sustainability in general, the blog is intended to create an engaging and meaningful dialogue about the topics. I encourage you to take a look at APUS’ latest blog and I know that the Committee will appreciate any comments and suggestions that you may have.
