Climate Action Plan

Seattle University has had a long-term commitment to sustainability, which has been furthered by our signing of the American College & University President’s Climate’s Commitment in 2007.  Our Climate Action Plan goals are to:

• Educate undergrad and grad students about sustainability and climate change in our curricular and co-curricular programs. Co-curricular programs include athletics, recreational sports, student activities, housing and residence life, career services, multicultural affairs, commuter and transfer student services, leadership development and many more.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 12% by 2020 and 51% by 2035.  Operations includes our buildings, solid waste, vehicles, business and athletics air travel and commuting.
• Share our increasing knowledge and expertise on sustainability more widely through partnerships and community engagement. 

The President’s Committee for Sustainability created the Climate Action Tactical Plan to make progress towards achieving the goals. All campus members are invited to read and familiarize themselves with the Climate Action Plan and Climate Tactical Plan, which outlines our commitment to sustainability. Our efforts, combined with the other 670 universities and colleges who have signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment , are intended to accelerate progress towards climate neutrality.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Everyone commuting to campus is our largest emissions source at 33%, followed by employee and athletics air travel at 22%, study abroad air travel at 22%, energy to power buildings at 20%, solid waste at .09%, and vehicles and equipment at .05%. You can view our greenhouse gas emissions inventory online.