Did you know that Kalamazoo College has a Climate Action Plan (CAP)? The CAP plays an integral role in K’s journey towards sustainability. The Larry J. Bell ’80 Environmental Stewardship Center (ESC) staff and interns are members of the Climate Action Plan Committee – a standing committee responsible for maintaining the college’s plan in association with the President’s Climate Leadership Commitment signed in 2010. A significant portion of the ESC’s work is driven by the Climate Action Plan.
What is a Climate Action Plan?
As climate change becomes an increasingly prevalent force in our lives, a successful climate action plan can guide how communities respond. They provide a framework for recording and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as for leading an environmentally responsible life.
The Kalamazoo College Climate Action Plan (CAP) has an overarching goal of carbon neutrality. More than that, the plan ensures that our core value of sustainability is interwoven with all aspects of campus life.
Our CAP Goals
K’s Climate Action Plan is broken down into four smaller goals, all of which combine to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2050:
- Greenhouse Gas Goal: Reduce GHG emissions by 35% of 2008 levels by fiscal year end 2028.
- Resource Conservation Goal: Provide leadership in Resources Conservation measures for campus operations.
- Learning Goal: Work toward exposing every Kalamazoo College student to the study of issues related to climate/climate change, ensuring that Kalamazoo College graduates will possess climate literacy.
- Environmental Responsibility Goal: Develop campus-wide efforts to educate the K College community about climate change —stretching beyond courses and academic programs.
Want to know more about the Climate Action Plan? Check out these resources below.
Read the current 5-year Climate Action Plan, view past year’s carbon reporting and more!
Find out what progress was made during fiscal year 2024 (academic year 2023-2024).
Share your environmental or climate action work with us!