Largely a result of student efforts, more than 600 U.S. colleges and universities have signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The ACUPCC calls for actions to reduce the campus' carbon emissions and to state a goal to become carbon neutral. The initiatives being developed on campuses are emerging as models for the larger society and the students are claiming their role as environmental stewards of the future.

Three Squares Inc. consults directly with high schools and colleges (student groups, faculty task forces and administrators) to develop campuswide programs to reduce the environmental impact while educating all those who pass through the campus grounds. We have created a "7-Step Plan for Campus Greening." One of our first steps is to conduct a survey of key campus stakeholders. As a third-party facilitator, we administer the surveys which helps create buy-in and collect feedback about ways your organization shines, and where it needs a little polishing.

Using the ACUPCC guidelines, we develop a customized climate action plan for each university. Part of the plan involves a thorough Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory every two years. We work with facilities staff to conduct the GHG Inventory and publish the results to the ACUPCC web site (as required by the ACUPCC to ensure transparency).

Green Technologies for Colleges

After a thorough vetting process, we select green technologies to present to college campus clients. The technologies must offer significant energy, water, waste or emission reductions. We also look for technologies which have existing financing or incentive/rebate programs.

Technologies include:

--> Clean Vehicle Technologies (electric, hybrid, natural gas, etc.)

--> Solar, Solar Water Heaters

--> Green IT Solutions

--> LED and Efficient Lighting Solutions

--> Energy Management or Efficiency

If you have a technology that would apply to a campus setting, please contact us to start the vetting process.