MMC Conducts Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Continues Environmental Commitment

In cooperation with several representatives of Marymount Manhattan, Energywiz, Inc. is gathering data on energy, electricity and fuel use. A recent survey distributed to MMC faculty, staff and students inquired about commuting and travel related to the College. The audit will also quantify refrigerant losses, agricultural emissions, solid waste and chemical disposal. The GHG Inventory will be finished by late spring.

As a participant in the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), MMC exceeded its first task toward achieving sustainability in August 2007, through its purchase of electricity from renewable sources (For more information, click here).

The President’s Climate Commitment Task Force is driving continued action towards increasing sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and incorporating environmental topics into the curriculum at MMC. The task force, which will carry out ACUPCC tasks, is comprised of MMC staff, faculty and students, from the Business Office, Information Technology, Facilities, Purchasing, Institutional Advancement, the Science Division and the Go Green Coalition. Lindsay Audin of Energywiz Inc. and Lori Kupfer of LK Architect are additional members.

The task force held its first meeting in December and members are currently at work establishing plans and carrying out steps towards “greening” the College, on topics ranging from assessing the costs of purchasing recycled and energy-efficient products and equipment to raising awareness of global warming. MMC has already committed to purchasing Energy Star office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers, which use less energy than standard units.

Outside of supporting the President’s Climate Commitment Task Force and the Go Green Coalition, consider supporting one of these organizations which use renewable energy next time you buy your morning coffee, plan a vacation, or go grocery shopping (Green-e Certified Organizations andEPA’s Green Power Partners). Or calculate your individual carbon dioxide emissions and plant a tree for $1 (American Forests).

Published: January 16, 2008