The University of Idaho now ranks 6th in the country for its clean energy use.
That’s according to a national higher education sustainability index called STARS (the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System).
STARS rates 800 other universities, and analyzes and compares aspects of sustainability at universities, from curriculum and faculty research, to energy use and food sourcing.
The university has a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. “We know that 80% of our emissions come from building use,” says Jeannie Matheison, U of I’s Director of Sustainability. She says the campus is working on reducing those emissions, including infrastructure improvements.
“Years and years ago there was a decision to switch the steamplant from coal to biomass,” Matheison explains, “and that turned out to be one of the most positive steps the University has taken towards reducing carbon emissions”
She says the school is working on dozens of other projects including sustainability literacy, waste reduction and raising money for solar panels.
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