Collegiate Times

Colleges and universities across the nation have banded together to cut college carbon emissions to zero, recently signing a pact called the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.

So far, 68 presidents have pledged to go “climate neutral” on their campuses across the nation. The signers represent leaders of institutions spanning coast to coast, from the western California Polytechnic State University to the University of Florida on the East Coast.

Of the 68, only three presidents from Virginia institutions of higher education have signed the commitment so far.

Randolph-Macon Woman's College, which will become Randolph College in July when it becomes co-educational, in Ashland, VA., Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va. and Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va. have agreed to complete an emissions inventory, set feasible target dates to reduce gas emissions and integrate sustainability into their course curriculums.

However, determining when and how carbon neutrality will be achieved on campuses is left up to each individual college or university.

“We feel this issue should be a concern for all universities,” Strategic Communications Manager for College Relations at Randolph-

Macon Brenda Edson said. “Students expect their universities to be socially responsible, to make the environment a better place. This agreement is a way our college can give a positive model to our students and allows us to make a public commitment to ensuring our natural resources are used efficiently.”

When asked if Virginia Tech was planning on signing the commitment, university spokesman Larry Hincker said, “Whether or not we become involved remains to be seen. The form letter from this organization just reached us within the last week, so we are in the process of considering it.”

Hincker also said Tech is already committed to two similar environment awareness agreements such as the Presidents Climate Challenge.