Take the Green Devil Challenge
Duke Needs Your Help to Become Climate Neutral
Duke recently submitted a plan to become climate neutral by 2024 and is asking all students, faculty and staff to help reach the goal. 
In an effort to encourage students, faculty and staff to take specific actions to help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions on campus, Duke has introduced the Green Devil Challenge. Each month, a new challenge will be issued to encourage individuals to make small changes in their daily lives that will help reduce emissions at Duke.
The first challenge, issued by an email from Bill Chameides, dean for the Nicholas School of the Environment and co-chair of Duke’s Campus Sustainability Committee, asks people to begin by making a commitment by signing the Sustainable Duke Pledge or asking a friend or colleague to do so.
“More than 3,300 students and employees have signed the Sustainable Duke Pledge,” Chameides said. “But a much broader commitment is needed if we are to make substantive change.”
The effort comes as part of Duke’s participation in the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The university is currently producing about 330,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas annually.
In order to become climate neutral, Duke will have to make important operational changes, develop innovative ways to address climate change, and seek the support of students, faculty and staff to make smarter choices about the use of energy, getting to and around campus and the disposal of waste.
“At Duke, we have built a legacy of combining knowledge and innovation to make a difference in the world around us,” Chameides said. “This commitment is part of our deep-rooted culture of public engagement and the belief that the University has the duty to share the knowledge of faculty and students to address pressing global issues.”
To take the inaugural Green Devil Challenge, visit the Duke’s Sustainability website (http://sustainability.duke.edu/action/challenge/index.php)