Climate Action Plan: Goals

Because of the urgent and immediate need for climate action, Carolina has set new, more ambitious greenhouse gas goals. These goals include:

1. Comply withGovernor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 80 (calls for a 40% statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025) and Executive Order 246 (calls for a 50% statewide reduction by 2030).
2. Strive to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, instead of 2050.

To reach these aggressive targets, the University needs the input and support of its campus community. Carolina is committed to transparency in our progress, successes and limitations. By challenging circumstances that may preclude projects or change priorities, Carolina will maintain openness as progress towards these goals continues. The graph below illustrates progress made since 2007 as well as our more ambitious targets for achieving carbon neutrality.

The Path to 2040: Project Prioritization

To meet the University’s climate goals, Carolina must take many actions over the next 20 years. Some strategies have been identified, and more are yet to be realized.

To make the best use of Carolina’s resources, over the next five years, strategies and initiatives will be selected based on the criteria below. These criteria are not weighted and considerations of current budgets, needs, and priorities will factor into final decisions.

Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions

While projects of all sizes will be considered, Carolina will prioritize projects that have the potential for large greenhouse gas reductions. As these projects are completed or ruled out, smaller projects will be elevated.

Co-Benefits

Projects with environmental, social, and equity benefits will be prioritized.

Technically Feasible

Regardless of the impact and benefits, projects must be technically feasible to be considered. While Carolina strives to be innovative in its approach, technologies must be at least semi-proven.

Financially Feasible

Carolina seeks to meet carbon neutrality in the most cost-effective way. The net present value of each project is compared to the emission reduction potential to get a NPV/MTCO2e figure. This figure is used to compare the financial viability of each project. Projects with positive net present values will be prioritized. The capital cost (relative to the emission reduction) will also be considered.

Practically Feasible

A project’s practical feasibility is determined by factors such as climate, geography, infrastructure, etc.

Excitement

It is important to get the campus community excited about efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Projects that are highly visible and draw attention to the effort are more attractive.

Living Learning Lab Impact

Due to Carolina’s mission as an institution of higher learning, projects that allow students, faculty, and staff to explore, research, and learn are prioritized.