In the coming year, the University will continue implementation of emission reduction strategies outlined in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, as well as increase efforts towards other campus sustainability goals. As the 2024 target for neutrality grows closer, it will be increasingly important to engage all members of the campus community in carbon-reduction efforts. Sustainable Duke is working with a Bass Connections team this spring to finalize building energy reports that will inform decision makers across Duke on how they can best contribute to the broader university sustainability targets.
Realizing that reducing emissions from transportation have challenging barriers to overcome, the Campus Sustainability Committee (CSC) is focusing on transportation during the 2019-2020 academic year. The CSC's is brainstorming and evaluating ways to reduce emissions from commuting and air travel to create recommendations to increase progress in these areas. Sustainable Duke is also advising a team of Nicholas School of the Environment graduate students on the potential of developing an electric vehicle incentive program for Duke employees.
The University will also be exploring how sustainability efforts increasingly connect with wellness programs such as Healthy Duke, an initiative to engage students, faculty, and staff across the Duke community to enhance health, improve quality of life, and fulfill human potential. To be a truly sustainable institution, Duke not only needs to meet its operational and educational goals but also ensure the health and well-being of the campus community.