Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, American University became the first university, first urban higher education institution, and first research university to achieve carbon neutrality.

First, we calculated how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases the university releases into the atmosphere from daily campus operations. We measure and report on our emissions from our electricity and natural gas use, commuting, campus vehicles, air travel for university business, athletics, and study abroad, landfilled waste, and a few other small categories. Then we figured out how to manage and eliminate those emissions. To do this, we used a three-part strategy of 1) reducing our emissions, 2) investing in renewable energy both on our campus and beyond, and 3) purchasing strategic carbon offsets for emissions sources we are still working to reduce.

AU reduced energy use on campus by upgrading facilities and encouraging individuals to reduce their energy use. For example, our Facilities Management team conducted efficiency projects, like swapping traditional lightbulbs for LEDs, automating building systems, and conducting energy audits, that decreased our campus energy use per square foot by more than 20% between 2005 and 2017. Learn more about how AU reduced emissions.

AU has invested in both onsite and offsite renewable energy. We’ve installed approximately 2,500 solar panels on rooftops across campus which provides about a half of a percent of our total electricity use. In 2016, AU partnered with George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital to build three large solar farms in North Carolina with about a quarter of a million panels. These solar farms are located within our energy grid and provide about 50% of our electricity. To manage the rest of our electricity use, we purchase Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs. These credits equate to real energy that is being generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. We purchase them to cover the electricity that our local utility provider generates, which is not necessarily renewable (e.g. natural gas).

To achieve carbon neutrality, we had to account for emissions from sources that cannot be replaced with renewable energy. Study abroad travel, ground transportation, and waste disposal all generate carbon emissions, and these emissions cannot be completely eliminated with current technology. We purchase strategic carbon offsets to balance the scale. Our carbon offsets are third-party verified and provide benefits to communities beyond reducing carbon emissions. For example, a current offset project in Kenya provides families with efficient cookstoves, in addition to offsetting our emissions from study abroad travel.

Our annual emissions inventory is third party certified by The Gordian Group. Our inventory is publicly available for review on Second Nature’s reporting platform. Second Nature administers the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), now called the Climate Commitment.

Reaching carbon neutrality does not mean that AU’s sustainability work is done. There are many ways that our campus can become more efficient, healthier, more environmentally responsible, and better prepared to manage the effects of climate change. To that end, we’ve launched a five-year sustainability plan to reflect new goals, policies, and programs that we are working toward.