The Path to a Climate Neutral Cornell University

Randy Lacey, Cornell University

The Path to a Climate Neutral Cornell University
Labs21 Conference 2014

In 2009 Cornell University completed a climate action plan that mapped a course for the university to be climate neutral by 2050. A very wide range of climate actions were rigorously explored to determine the potential GHG reduction and triple bottom line benefit of each. A portfolio of climate actions was generated with a target of 2050 for climate neutrality. Since 2008 several of the measures have been implanted and GHG impact has been reduced by 32%. One significant action was conversion of the central steam system from coal to gas fired combined heat and power. We are also about to complete a 4 year, $30M energy conservation program for our campus buildings. Recently the University President, David Skorton, agreed to accelerate our climate neutral target ahead to 2035. We are now examining all our proposed climate actions in an effort to accelerate them.

Learning Objectives

  • Know the elements of a climate action plan for a large campus or community.
  • Understand which climate actions will have the greatest impact at a research university.
  • Discuss the trade off of cost and benefit of various climate actions.

Biography:

D. Randall Lacey, PE Randy Lacey is the University Engineer and Director of Facilities Engineering at Cornell University where he manages a staff of 50 engineers and project managers. He has Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering from Cornell University. He has designed laboratories for more than 30 years and is a frequent presenter at Labs21, AASHE and ASHRAE.


 

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