1) UNC is the first US university to sign the Community Carbon Reduction Pledge, committing us to a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

2) Chancellor Moeser was a charter signatory of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment and has recruited other university presidents to pledge carbon neutrality by 2050. It is intended that at least 80% of this reduction will be local, rather than relying on carbon offsets. UNC hired its first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Specialist in January.

3) The combined heat and power plant on Cameron Avenue is one of the cleanest, most efficient coal burning power plants in the United States and has received multiple awards from the Environmental Protection Agency. Steam and chilled water use is metered in real time in all campus buildings.

4) Fare-free transit was introduced in 2002. The University contributes the majority of the funding to provide over 6 million free bus rides annually.

5) New buildings at UNC are designed to use 30% less energy than permitted under the North Carolina building code. The Visitor Education Center at the Botanical Garden, which is now under construction, was designed to use 48% less energy than the building code requires.

6) UNC has invested over $3 million in energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings (e.g. lighting, motors, air handling systems) and many hours of staff training time since 2001.

7) Buildings are maintained to optimize energy performance. The Energy Management Control System enables operators to remotely shut down air handlers during unoccupied periods. HVAC technicians are continuing to improve operating efficiencies.

8) The Commuter Alternatives Program provides incentives for employees and students to arrive on campus using means other than a single occupant vehicle. The program saves employees money and enables the University to use land for more productive purposes than surface parking lots.

9) The solar hot water system on top of the renovated Morrison Residence Hall is the first project funded by the Student Green Energy Fee. The fee has funded geothermal wells at the Botanical Garden and a planned solar hot water system on top of Fetzer Gym. UNC is currently working with a consultant to evaluate the opportunity for using renewable fuels at the combined heat and power plant on Cameron Avenue and at Carolina North.

10)  Incandescent light bulbs were phased out on January 31, 2008.