Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Babson has made a specific commitment to move toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions that we emit or create in our operations.
Babson’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan includes the following interim goals along our path toward carbon neutrality:
Stage |
Years |
GHG Reduction Goal |
Overview of Key Actions |
| I | 2011–2015 | 25% below 2006 | Energy efficiency investments Invest in solar power generation |
| II | 2016–2020 | 50% below 2006 | Procurement of electricity from renewable sources |
| III | 2021–2030 | 70% below 2006 | Enhanced energy efficiency investment Improved vehicle fuel efficiency |
| IV | 2031–2050 | Climate Neutrality | Purchase quality offsets |
| All | 2011–2050 | | Ongoing focus on shift toward a culture of sustainability Green planning and green building policies |
Each category necessarily consists of numerous smaller actions that contribute toward reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Those actions are discussed in more detail in the Opportunities and Actions of our Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
Progress to Date
Energy Use
Through aggressive energy management and cost-effective investment in campus energy projects, Babson has progressively reduced its energy use during the last seven years. As of fiscal year 2014, Babson already reduced energy use on campus by 7.3% below fiscal year 2006 levels.
Renewable Energy
Through Babson’s electrical utility provider, Wellesley Municipal Light Plant, Babson has a contract to provide sources 5% of its electricity from wind power generated at the Spruce Mountain Wind Farm in Maine.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Babson’s significant progress in reducing energy use has driven its early success in meeting its greenhouse gas emissions goals. Our 2014 emissions were 35% below 2006 emissions. We have achieved our Stage I goal of 25% reduction and are on our way to meeting our 2020 goal of reducing emissions by 50% below our 2006 levels. The graphic below shows both progress to date on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and our strategy for progressing toward climate neutrality.
Babson’s Path to Climate Neutrality
