Draft Climate Action Plan
This document is not official until adopted by the Board of Trustees.
Life University commitment to climate neutrality
As one of the first 100 college and university presidents to sign on in support of the
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), Dr. Guy
F. Riekeman accepted membership in the Leadership Circle as a Founding Member on
Feb. 17, 2007.
As a member of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
and Leadership Circle, Dr. Riekeman has committed Life University to accept the
responsibilities for recruiting other college and university chancellors and presidents in
support of this initiative, as well as taking immediate action to implement initiatives for
greening the campus and becoming a sustainable community
The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment addresses global
warming by gathering higher education institutions to unite in an effort to neutralize
greenhouse gas emissions. The American College and University President’s Climate
Commitment is coordinated and supported by Second Nature, ecoAmerica and the
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
The mission of Life University is to educate its students in a set of core life proficiencies,
equipping them to become skilled professionals, and preparing them for successful
careers focused on serving the health needs of society. Life University also strives for
climate neutrality and is committed to environmental stewardship in all academic
programs and to reducing our carbon footprint and to be a model of sustainability as an
institution of higher education. This will be done by increasing awareness of the link
between lifestyle choices, pollution and other environmental factors.
College Demographic
Founded in 1974, Life University has a long history of being recognized nationally for its
innovative chiropractic program and commitment to providing a high-quality
undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.
Life University has the distinction of being Georgia’s only highly selective chiropractic
college and boasts superior programs in the fields of biology, biopsychology, business
administration, computer information management, dietetics, life coaching, nutrition,
psychology, and sport health science.
Implementation Structure
After the president signed the commitment a Task Force was formed to develop a climate
action plan and to implement the necessary programs and policies to fulfill the
requirements for the commitment.
Campus Emissions
In FY 2007-08 LU emitted approximately 13,394 metric tons of CO2. This equates to
about 6.6 eCO2 tons per student.
Emissions were calculated using Clean Air Cool Planet’s (CACP) Campus Carbon
calculator over a 12 month period (fiscal year). The CACP calculator was designed to
calculate emissions for campus emissions and is recommended by the ACUPCC.
The emissions inventory covers the following sources of emissions
Scope 1 accounts for direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from sources the
university owns or controls. Scope 1 emissions include university owned/controlled
vehicles and fugitive emissions.
Scope 2 accounts for indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased
electricity consumed by equipment or operations owned our controlled by the university.
Scope 3 accounts for indirect GHG emissions from all other sources that occur as a
consequence of the university’s activities but are not owned operated by the university.
Scope 3 include emissions from commuting, air travel for university business, and waste
disposal.
FY 07-08 Emissions
FY 07-08 GHG Emissions By Scope
Scope 1: 246
Scope 2: 4,263
Scope 3: 8,885
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
It is important to note that the first emission inventory was completed in FY07-08. Life
University is currently developing policies to capture additional data. Although current
data collection methods are incomplete this data represents a starting point to identify
missing data and to begin implementing footprint reduction measures. It should also be
noted that some reasonable assumptions were made regarding commuter data including
faculty/staff and students.
In the future the university plans to institute methods to capture data from the following
sources.



Compost Tonnage
Refrigerants/Chemicals
University sponsored travel
It is our belief that capturing data from a broader scope of emission sources will more
accurately quantify our carbon footprint. Mechanisms for tracking progress and goals will
be developed as a component of the Climate Action Plan.
Challenges
The challenges listed in the draft plan include both actual and perceived conditions. As
the plan is further developed items currently listed as challenges may be validated or
resolved.
Section 1: Climate Neutrality
Goals
 To become climate neutral
 To minimize environmental impacts through behavior change, positive attitudes
and an atmosphere that both supports and encourages sustainability
 To develop environmental awareness
 To demonstrate a commitment to sustainability
Carbon emissions will be mitigated mainly by reduction through conservation. Other
efforts include the use of renewable sources of energy and increased sequestration
through the absorption of CO2 by trees and other plants.
Actions taken
The actions necessary to become climate neutral have are currently being researched.
To be explored
 Seek assistance/training on data collection/input to improve emission inventories
 Purchasing carbon offsets for travel and energy usage
 Purchasing renewable energy
 Establishing a target date for climate neutrality
Challenges
 The PCC requires the university to begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of
the university’s electricity consumption from renewable sources. The university
currently purchases its electricity from Marietta Power. As of March 2010 the
Marietta Power generating mix was 45 % nuclear, 48% coal, 3% gas and 4%
hydro.
 Offsetting GHG emissions from travel
 Funding
Timeline
The actions necessary to become climate neutral are currently being researched. The next
step is for the University to determine a target date for climate neutrality and begin
working towards meeting that goal. Interim targets for goals and actions will be
established to gauge progress.
Section: 2 Transportation
Goals
 Reduce carbon emissions by reducing vehicular traffic, including commuting,
athletic travel, on campus driving and maintenance vehicles.
 To encourage alternative transportation methods including carpooling,
walking and shuttle.
 To improve awareness of the impacts of vehicle emissions on the
environment.
Actions taken
 Established carpool program and on-campus shuttle to reduce auto mileage
associated with commuting.
 Opened new student housing as an alternative to commuting
 Dedication of parking spaces to carpool/alternative fuel vehicles
 Flex-time/Teleworking
 Phase out of traditional gas-powered vehicles to be replaced by electric/hybrid
vehicles
To be explored
 Encouraging alternative forms of transportation to and from campus
 Replacing the current fleet of vehicles with energy efficient models
 Increasing route of shuttle to local apt. complexes to decrease commuter
traffic
 Increasing parking permit fees and/or changing parking permit structure
 Increasing the teleworking option for employees who can perform their duties
from home
 Implement incentive programs to encourage alternative transportation options
Challenges
 Changing commuter behaviors
 Feasibility of public transportation to and from LU
Timeline
 The next step is to use the conversion of parking lots on campus to greenspace
as a teaching experience and an opportunity to reduce on-campus driving.
Section: 3 Community Outreach
Goals
 To increase university presence in the community
 Network with organizations and individuals to share knowledge and
information
Actions taken
 The University is partnering with Southern Polytechnic University in
cultivating relationships with the community.
 The University has joined the Partnership for a Sustainable GA which
provides networking opportunities
To be explored
 Partnerships with other local colleges/universities and or agencies on
sustainability projects
 Joint grant partnerships
 Create opportunities for service learning projects for students and faculty to
work with community partners on local and regional environmental and social
justice issues.
Challenges

Timeline
TBD
Section 4: Academic Experience
Goals
 Strive to incorporate sustainability into the curriculum through formal and
informal opportunities
 Matriculate students who employ sustainable practices and environmental
consciousness
 Encourage a faculty commitment to sustainability
Actions taken
 Student recruitment team promotes green aspects of the campus
 Several faculty members have introduced sustainability concepts into the
classroom; topics include
o Empowering students to each healthier practices to their patients resulting
in the patients using less pharmaceuticals, driving to doctors and
pharmacies less
o Paperless office, including medical records
o Relationship between population, consumption, culture social equity and
the environment
o Living healthy lifestyles in balance/harmony with nature
o How humans interact nutritionally, chemically physically and electrically
with the environment
o The use of resuable “face cloths” vs. traditional one-time use face paper
 Organic gardening club
To be explored
 Complete, promote and maintain a Sustainability website
 Create opportunities for experiential/service learning
 Assess coverage of sustainability in current courses through a survey of
faculty
 Develop an online Employee/Student education and training program
(including information about ACUPCC, recycling and waste management,
commuting, energy usage
 Increased Earth Day participation
 Earth Hour participation
 Sustainability signs
 Green Questions Link
 Using Pamphlets, signs and surveys to raise awareness and promote
environmentally consciousness behaviors among the Life University
community
 Blog
 Environmental newsletter as a green initiatives tool for faculty, staff, students
and the community.
Challenges







Resources for new program development
Process for implementation of new programs
Ensure Life University philosophies are incorporated
Costs
Integration between programs
Relating sustainability to program areas
Faculty engagement/involvement
Timeline
The ACUPCC requires that within two years of signing the commitment the
university, develop an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral,
which will include: actions to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of
the curriculum and other educational experience for all students. The
Sustainability Coordinator is meeting with faculty to establish a plan for infusing
sustainability into the curriculum.
Section 5: Procurement
Goals:
 Consider the environmental impacts resulting from purchases made by the
university.
 Establish and implement sustainable procurement practices
Actions taken
 Hired Sustainability Coordinator
 Café (local foods)
To be explored
 Phase in a green purchasing policy including the purchase of eco-friendly
goods and Energy Star rated appliances
 Review current products used by housekeeping and grounds and commit to
changing to eco-friendly products
 Considering sustainability in vendor services and materials
 Use of electronic media
 Reduction in printing and paper usage
 Buy copy paper with a certain percentage of post-consumer recycled content
Challenges
 Point person for policy compliance
Timeline
 TBD
Section 6: Energy Efficiency
Goals
 Increasing energy efficiency
 Employing energy conservation strategies will be critical in reducing carbon
emissions and reducing our carbon footprint.
Actions Taken






Retrofitting of inefficient lighting
Re-evaluation of the HVAC scheduling to reduce the run times
An Energy Analysis was conducted on
Reviewing ways to implement recommendations of energy audit
Replacement of aging HVAC equipment
Installation and upgrade of EMS and lighting controls
To be explored
 Light Control Motion Sensors
 More efficient climate control
 Update HVAC systems
 Installing Vending Misers
 Energy efficient light bulbs
 Increase efforts to “power down” at night
Challenges
 Determining a target date for achieving climate neutrality
 Determining a specific date to achieve climate neutrality is a challenging task.
Life University is impacted by the economy, technology, growth and
development and enrollment which are difficult to predict.
 Funding
Timeline
TBD
Section 7: Green Buildings
Goals
 Maximize health, productivity and comfort for building occupants
 Reducing the overall impact to the environment
 Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments
Actions taken
 Adoption of a minimum LEED Gold standard for all new campus construction
 380 bed residence hall built to apply for LEED certification
To be explored
 Preservation of green space
 Development of additional green space
 Establishment of a pedestrian friendly campus
 Capture rainwater and/or graywater for re-use
 Use of native plants when possible
 Use LEED guidelines to reduce potable water consumption
Barriers/Difficulties
 Finding environmentally sensitive products that meet performance levels
Timeline
TBD
Section 8: Recycling/Waste Minimization
Goals:
 Reduce material consumption and waste production
 Increase recycled material
Actions taken
 Implement campus-wide recycling program
 Elimination of Styrofoam from the Campus Café
 Composting
To be explored
 Promote recycling with giveaways such as reusable grocery bags
 Conduct a grocery bag challenge/pledge drive
 Conduct a “ban the bottle ” campaign
 Expanding recycling program
 Waste assessment analysis
 Participate in the Waste Minimization component of Recyclemania
 Cardboard recycling
 Investigate reuse/sale opportunities for equipment to be discarded
Challenges
 Increasing recycling across campus
 Decrease the amount of waste produced
Timeline
TBD
Tracking Progress
Progress will be determined by annual emission inventories using the Clean Air Cool
Plant carbon calculator. The results will be submitted to ACUPCC and the Association
for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for comparisons
with other institutions of higher learning.
An annual report will be used to measure performance and compare data from year to
year.
The CAP is intended to be a living document, and it will be necessary to update the status
of the plan, re-evaluate benchmarks and include new initiatives as they develop. Changes
in budget, personnel, priorities, technology and other opportunities will necessitate reevaluation of the plan.
Conclusion
As a founding signatory to the ACUPCC, Life University is committed to developing a
pathway to reducing it’s carbon emissions and ultimately becoming a zero carbon
campus. Life’s priority is to achieve the greatest greenhouse gas reductions possible via
implementing initiatives on its campus and owned land, with the remaining balance of
reductions being achieved via partnering with outside entities.
In conjunction with the Life 20/20 Vision we will evaluate and explore the development
of new technologies and improving efficiency of existing technologies as Life works
toward achieving climate neutrality.
Thanks to the following schools for providing a model for our CAP.
Houston community College
Goshen College Action Plan
Emory & Henry College
Oberlin College
Eckerd College
Onondaga Community College