Climate Commitment


As of January 1st 2009, over 600 college and university presidents in all 50 states have signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The ACUPCC is a high-visibility effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth's climate.

Furman University President David Shi was one of the first signers of the climate commitment and currently serves on both the steering committee and leadership circle of the ACUPCC

Presidents signing the Commitment are pledging to eliminate their campuses' greenhouse gas emissions over time. This involves:

  • Completing an emissions inventory
  • Within two years, setting a target date and interim milestones for becoming climate neutral.
  • Taking immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing from a list of short-term actions.
  • Integrating sustainability into the curriculum and making it part of the educational experience.
  • Making the action plan, inventory and progress reports publicly available.

For more information on the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) click here: www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/


The college and university presidents and chancellors who are joining and leading the Commitment believe that exerting leadership in addressing climate change will stabilize and reduce their long-term energy costs, attract excellent students and faculty, attract new sources of funding, and increase the support of alumni and local communities.

In September 2008, Furman completed and submitted its baseline GHG inventory and report (Furman 2007 GHG Report).We are now in the process of developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) with the goal of GHG neutrality. Our CAP is due for submission in September 2009.

In January 2009, The Duke Endowment Hosted a Climate Action Planning Workshop at Furman. For details click here (The Duke Endowment Climate Action Planning Workshop).