From: Yale Office of Sustainability

To:

From: Yale Office of Sustainability

Date: September 22, 2009

Subject: Yale Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy - Executive Summary Brochure

We are pleased to share with you a copy of the Yale 2009 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy- Executive Summary brochure. Yale University continues to openly share its progress toward its greenhouse gas reduction goal via the release of this annual executive summary. This summary illustrates Yale’s progress to date and outlines the University’s strategy for reaching its ambitious reduction target.

Below, we have outlined an updated summary of key talking points regarding Yale’s greenhouse gas reduction commitment and the University’s progress toward reaching its goal. For further information regarding the University’s Climate Strategy please go to www.yale.edu/sustainability/climate or contact Keri Enright-Kato, Sustainability Project Manager, Yale Office of Sustainability at 203-436-3569.

Goal:

Ø  In 2005, Yale University committed to a greenhouse gas reduction target of 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 – a 43% reduction from 2005 levels.

Ø  Yale’s 2005 greenhouse gas reduction baseline included two on-campus power plants and purchased electricity for the central and medical campuses. Since the adoption of the target, Yale has now incorporated into its reduction efforts the recently acquired West Campus and emissions from fuel and electric purchases for on and off campus buildings not connected to the power plants.

Ø  Yale’s current reduction target does not include the emissions from the University fleet, employee commuting or university related travel.

Summary:

Ø  To date, Yale has achieved a 7% net reduction in campus emissions despite a 5.5% increase in campus size.

Ø  Yale’s FY09 greenhouse gas emissions for central and medical campuses totaled 242,000 MTC02e. Total emissions in FY09 for West Campus totaled 16,600 MTC02e. Total emissions in FY09 for fuel and electric purchases for on and off campus buildings not connected to the power plants totaled 17,790.

Strategy

Ø  Yale’s annual plan for reaching its greenhouse gas reduction goal includes: improving efficiency in existing buildings, establishing sustainable standards for new construction and large renovations, increasing the efficiency of on-campus energy production and distribution and introducing renewable energy projects.

Ø  Renewable energy projects in FY09 included:

o  100kW solar photovoltaic array on Kroon Hall

o  Ten 1kW AeroVironment Inc. micro-wind turbines on Becton Hall

o  Geothermal ground source heat pumps for heating and cooling at Kroon Hall