University Is Finalist in 2012 Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards

The University is producing a video highlighting its sustainability efforts, which will be posted for a national voting campaign on planetforward.org beginning mid-March.

Solar panel facility

In recognition of William Paterson’s continuing environmental sustainability efforts, the University has been named a finalist in the 2012 Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards contest.  The awards recognize innovation and excellence in climate leadership at signatory institutions of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.

As a finalist in the master’s college and universities category, the University is producing a video highlighting its sustainability efforts, which will be posted on planetforward.org as part of a national public voting competition from mid-March through April 2012.  Viewers will be able to log on to planetforward.org to view the video as well as vote on the most innovative and groundbreaking institution in each category.

In its application, the University discussed the institution’s continuing efforts toward carbon neutrality, including conservation efforts that integrate sustainability across the curriculum, such as a new bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability.  Since the initiation of its energy conservation program in 2001, the University has reduced its annual electrical and natural gas consumption, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon gas emissions as well as more than $17 million in total energy savings.

Final award winners will be announced in June during the 2012 Climate Leadership Summit at American University in Washington, D.C.