Reports

CSU Climate Action Plan and GHG Inventories

In 2008, CSU became a signatory of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The goal of this effort is for university campuses to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to the point of carbon neutrality. In short, the commitment requires participating campuses to take the following steps in pursuit of climate neutrality:

  • Develop a comprehensive plan (a Climate Action Plan) to achieve climate neutrality
  • Make the action plan, inventory, and periodic progress reports publicly available

CSU Climate Action Plan

CSU completed their first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in September 2010. The Climate Action Plan outlines how and when CSU will achieve climate neutrality. The CAP is considered a “living document” and is reviewed and updated every few years by a sub-committee of the CSU Presidents Sustainability Commission.

CSU Greenhouse Gas Inventories

While CSU has compiled greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory's since FY06*, the FY10 GHG inventory serves as the baseline year for ACUPCC, the Climate Action Plan, and our goal ultimate goal of carbon neutrality. The annual greenhouse gas inventory includes all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and, a subset of Scope 3 emissions (as required to be reported by ACUPCC).

*Note: The term fiscal year (FY) refers to a period of time used for accounting purposes and preparing financial statements and reports. Colorado State University defines a fiscal year as starting July 1st and ending on June 30th. Therefore, FY06 covers the time period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.

**Note: Between FY06 and FY17, Colorado State University utilized the Clean Air – Cool Planet Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator tool (also known as the Campus Carbon Calculator [CCC]). The CCC was the most commonly used GHG emissions calculator used by institutions of higher education. Beginning with FY18, CSU will transition to SIMAP (Sustainability Indicator Management and Analysis Platform) – which is replacing the Campus Carbon Calculator.

CSU STARS Reports

In 2015, CSU became the first university in the world to earn a Platinum rating in STARS. CSU received a Platinum rating again in 2017. STARS is considered the most comprehensive and well-respected sustainability assessment for colleges and universities with 700 institutions taking part on 6 continents. STARS is provided by AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education).

Here are just a few of the things that helped CSU earn this landmark score.

Platinum Review Protocol

STARS consists of 1,025 different text and data fields covering four inclusive categories:

  • academics/research
  • engagement
  • operations, and
  • planning and administration

To see the CSU STARS report in full, please visit the platinum report on the AASHE website.

Visit the SOURCE story, to learn more.

CSU is an EPA Green Power Partner

Since 2006 CSU has participated as an EPA Green Power Partner helping to promote and advance the use of renewable electricity through this voluntary program.

View our latest report here.

And, a few reports from CSU Housing & Dining Services

Finally, it’s not a report but, check out CSU Campus Maps

While a map isn’t really a report, when you visit CSU Campus Maps, turn on the “Sustainability” layers – you will find all sorts of information about sustainability here at CSU. Take a look!