Through research, education and action, Yale is making a significant contribution to environmental quality and sustainability.
Yale’s faculty is conducting leading research on climate change, biodiversity, watersheds, energy systems, global governance, sustainable development, and other critical subjects.
An innovative curriculum includes an undergraduate major in environmental studies, as well as master's and doctoral degrees, including interdisciplinary graduate degrees that take advantage of partnerships between Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and other Yale schools and programs.
Yale’s commitment extends to its own practices. Yale pledged in 2005 to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below the 1990 level by the year 2020. This represents a 43% reduction from the 2004 level.
“We can set a powerful example for the next generation of leaders and demonstrate that it is possible to reduce emissions dramatically, even while accommodating the continuing growth and development of our campus,” commented President Richard C. Levin.
In January 2008, President Levin outlined the role of universities and public policy options when he delivered the inaugural address for the University of Copenhagen's Climate Lecture Series: "Leading by Example: From Sustainable Campuses to a Sustainable World."
The University’s strategy for meeting its emissions reduction goal includes conservation, renewable energy and other initiatives. To date, Yale has reduced campus greenhouse gas emissions by 7% despite a 3.2% increase in campus size.
