Furman University adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2009, but work is now underway to update the plan for 2023. The university’s latest efforts will establish new science-based targets for reaching carbon neutrality and provide Furman with a road map to accelerate its progress in meeting that goal.
Thanks to a $20,000 grant from higher-education focused climate action organization Second Nature, the Shi Institute has been able to partner with Washington, D.C.-based consultants Brailsford and Dunlavey to develop an updated CAP, which will also be incorporated into the university’s strategic plan.
The CAP will create a pathway to reducing Furman’s greenhouse gas emissions, giving priority to cost-effective strategies that bring the greatest reductions in emissions. It will also outline a plan for a campus transition to renewable energy, highlight additional initiatives to increase energy efficiency, and discuss ways to educate and engage faculty, staff, and students on climate challenges and opportunities.
What’s the proposed timeline?
We hope to have a draft CAP available for preliminary review by fall 2023. It will then be reviewed and completed in step with the university’s strategic planning process.
Who will be involved?
- University Consultant Brailsford & Dunlavey
- Shi Institute staff Laura Bain and Andrew Predmore as well as Shi Student Fellows
- Key Facilities team members, including Jeff Redderson and Jimmy Looper
- Furman faculty and staff
- Campus and community stakeholders (including you!)
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“Furman has a long history of excellence in sustainability, and we are looking forward to taking this next step in partnership with Brailsford and Dunlavey. At Furman, we feel strongly that our sustainability work is strongest when it is grounded in responsible stewardship on campus, and we look forward to the work ahead.”
— Furman University President Elizabeth Davis
Want to get involved?
For more information about Climate Action Planning at Furman, please contact Laura Bain at laura.bain@furman.edu