To meet the requirements of SC Legislative Bill H4766, which became effective on June 11th, 2008, a campus-wide Sustainable Energy Policy was approved by the Administrative Council with a goal of reducing energy consumption per gross square foot of building space 20% by 202, relative to the fiscal year 2000 baseline. Efforts including equipment improvements, operational changes, and new construction with improved efficiency allowed us to meet this goal last year.
Clemson 2020 Goal
By adhering to this policy, the university's goal is to reduce energy consumption 20% by 2020 relative to the fiscal year 2000 baseline. Clemson plans to achieve this by promoting sustainable energy initiatives designed to lower the consumption of energy on campus and reduce its carbon footprint. By implementing operational changes, such as installing high efficiency fluorescent or LED lighting in classrooms and facilities, while also encouraging behavioral changes such as turning off lights, computers and other office equipment, we're poised to reach this goal.
In an effort to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Clemson also has a long range goal to increase its energy sourcing from renewable resources 10% by fiscal year 2025.
One Hundred-Percent by 2030
The university is striving to achieve net neutrality of emissions by 2030. Not to be confused with the 20% by 2020 effort focused on reducing electricity, the university's ultimate goal for 2030 is an all-encompassing approach to our ecological footprint. We aim not only to serve as a leader among higher education institutions but also as a living lab for students to learn more about future technologies and sustainable practices. Clemson University is committed to pursuing strategic priorities to achieve neutrality:
- Deliver the educational programs – from certifications to advanced degrees – to help meet the energy sector’s work force needs
- Generate energy innovations through research and technology transfer
- Transform the main campus into a model for energy sustainability: a “net-zero,” carbon-neutral campus
It is not only appropriate for Clemson to be involved in the development of the green economy, it is mandatory.