UA R2 (2016-2017): Endorsing the Recommendations of the Senior Leaders Climate Action Group

Acknowledged by the President

• Resolution:
  UA R2 (2016-2017): Endorsing the Recommendations of the Senior Leaders Climate Action Group
• Day:
  November 21, 2016
• Action:
  Acknowledged by the President
• Summary / Notes:
  H. Rawlings to G. Kaufman
• File Attachments:
• Text Attachment:
  Dear Gabriel,
  
  Thank you for submitting UA Resolution 2 – “Endorsing the Recommendations of the Senior Leaders Climate Action Group” – and for your commitment to sustainability at Cornell.
  
  I appreciate the UA’s support of the conclusions and recommendations outlined in the “Options for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2035” report and commend you for your attention to this important issue over so many years. The report is a critical step forward in Cornell’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality on the Ithaca campus by 2035. The specific actions we take in achieving carbon neutrality – and the associated budget decisions – will be part of the next steps in the process.
  
  The President’s Sustainable Campus Committee (PSCC) prepares an annual report each fiscal year which includes an update on progress towards carbon neutrality. To reduce duplication of efforts, I recommend this PSCC report serve as the basis for the annual reporting requested in this resolution at the beginning of each academic year.
  
  Additionally, the Campus Sustainability Office reports publicly on progress towards carbon and sustainability goals through two additional mechanisms: The AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) and Annual Progress Report and greenhouse gas inventory to the Second Nature Carbon Commitment - the national collective of over 600 Universities committed to climate neutrality. To capitalize on the wealth of information in these reports, I recommend that the university look at ways for the PSCC to engage with the Assemblies on a regular basis, in addition to providing the UA with an annual update. This will ensure ongoing insights into areas where we have made gains or identified challenges to reaching neutrality by 2035 and overall sustainability progress.
  
  Thank you again for your continued support and partnership in Cornell’s goal to reach carbon neutrality on the Ithaca campus.
  
  Yours sincerely,
  
  Hunter Rawlings
  
  
  
  Hunter Rawlings
  Interim President, Cornell University
  300 Day Hall
  Ithaca, NY 14853
  Tel: 607-255-5201
  www.cornell.edu