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