Climate Action Commitment
Climate Action Commitment Revision Process
Approved initially in 2009 by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, and revised in 2013, the original Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment served as the university’s guiding framework around sustainability and energy efficiency in campus operations, facilities, curriculum, and research for 10 years.
In 2019, President Tim Sands called for its renewal and revision to ensure the most stringent climate and sustainability standards are implemented as Virginia Tech continues to grow and seeks to be a leader in environmental stewardship.
Proposed revisions were presented to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors in November 2020. A comprehensive financial review of the proposed revisions took place in March 2021, which ended with the Board of Visitors unanimously voting to approve!
Learn More about the Year-Long Revision Process
Background
The Virginia Tech 2020 Climate Action Commitment sets the university on a path to carbon neutrality by 2030. There are 14 other recommended actions in the commitment to include:
- Pursue 100% renewable electricity by 2030
- Pursue a zero waste campus by 2030
- Reduce transportation related GHG emissions by 40% by 2030
- Establish climate justice as a core value
- Establish a Climate Action Living Laboratory to enhance educational opportunities
Annual Reports
To ensure progress towards the goals are met, the university conducts annual assessments to measure actual progress each year and releases these reports to the public.
Related News
- Climate Action Commitment report highlights actionable recommendations for advancing long-term sustainability
- Participate in the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment revision process through new engagement opportunities
- Committee to review and update Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment launched
