Yale University created its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy in 2005 which not only commits Yale to sharing annual data related to its carbon footprint and energy efficiency, but also pledges that the campus will be 43 percent below 2005 levels for greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Since then, Yale has committed to carbon neutrality by or before 2050. To achieve this, among other strategies, Yale has been investing in renewable energy sources, including wind power; solar electric, solar thermal, and geothermal technologies; and biodiesel. In 2015, the University installed a photovoltaic solar array that generates approximately 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Yale released its first Sustainability Strategic Plan in 2010; its second Sustainability Strategic Plan 2013–2016 in 2013; and its Sustainability Plan 2025 in 2016. The Sustainability Plan 2025 is organized into nine ambitions: Leadership, Empowerment, Health & Well-Being, Climate Action, Stewardship, Built Environment, Mobility, Materials, and Technology. In addition to the carbon neutrality goal, Yale has committed to fostering connections between the university's scholarship and operations; promoting dialogue on sustainability, inclusion, and justice; and launching a "pay as you throw" initiative. To date Yale has completed twenty-two LEED-certified building projects. Yale Design Standards require all new construction and comprehensive renovations to be certified LEED Gold as a minimum. In addition to buildings, Yale's Sustainable Stormwater and Water Management Plans help guide the University's stormwater runoff mitigation strategies and reduce potable water consumption. Yale is also home to the Sustainability Service Corps (SSC), an initiative consisting of student teams that promote waste minimization in the colleges and at events; work toward energy awareness and conservation; and serve to implement sustainable practices college-wide. In addition, Yale has developed Sustainability Action Plans for its professional schools, museums and libraries, and various departments. Yale University is actively working to advance sustainability in international arenas and holds leadership roles within the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) and International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN).
AASHE STARS® rating
SILVER
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Sustainability-focused degree available
School employs a sustainability officer
Public GHG inventory plan
% food budget spent on local/organic food
Available Transportation Alternatives
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
School Developed Bicycle Plan
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2019.
