In April 2008, Temple University signed the American Colleges and Universities' Presidential Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), a highly visible pledge to become carbon neutral and accelerate the development of educational and research efforts aimed at stabilizing the Earth's climate.

In accordance with the ACUPCC, Temple launched a sustainability initiative across its campuses that included the:

• development of a climate action plan in 2010;
• identification of a carbon neutrality date (2050);
• submission of annual greenhouse gas inventories and biennial progress reports; and,
• implementation of sustainability initiatives that lead to greenhouse gas emission reductions.

On April 20, 2016, the university reaffirmed its commitment by signing the Climate Leadership Statement, a new comprehensive climate commitment that incorporates carbon neutrality and resiliency as complementary strategies for addressing climate change.

Climate Commitment Timeline

April 2016: Climate Leadership Statement signed

November 2015: White House's American Campuses Act of Climate Pledge signed

May 2010:  Submission of Climate Action Plan

April 2010:  Public Forums for review and comment on Climate Action Plan

May 2009:  Completion of baseline Greenhouse Gas Inventory

July 2008:  Implement Two Tangible Actions

April 2008:  ACUPCC Signed