Coastal Carolina University recently became one of the more than 680 colleges in the U.S. to make a formal pledge to pursue environmentally friendly practices. On April 19, CCU President David A. DeCenzo signed the American College and University President's Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), committing CCU to strive toward climate neutrality as an institutional goal.

Climate neutrality is defined as achieving net zero carbon emissions. Through ACUPPC, colleges and universities demonstrate community leadership in addressing global warming issues.

“By signing this agreement, we are continuing to address a challenging but important task for the future of our campus, our students and the world,” said DeCenzo. “We are already doing most of the things required—recycling, using cost saving lights, etc.—but this will reinforce our sense of responsibility.”

The ACUPCC outlines a set of agreements, but each institution creates a timeline based on its own goals and capabilities. CCU will form a committee that will develop a climate action plan, according to Marissa Mitzner, the University’s sustainability coordinator.

“This is a big green step for Coastal,” said Mitzner. “The best part is that we have already been doing some of the things required by the ACUPCC, such as participating in RecycleMania, developing a green building policy and compiling a greenhouse gas inventory.”

Other institutions of higher education that have signed the agreement include Duke University, Davidson College, Clemson University, Appalachian State University and the College of Charleston.

For more information, visit the website at www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.