Columbia University in New York City has announced that it will no longer install fossil fuel connections in any construction or renovation projects.
To support this transition, the university will evaluate how to fully electrify the campus by replacing the onsite combustion of fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources, the university says in a news release.
The university will continue to enhance its planning, design, and construction practices to expedite the end of fossil fuel combustion on campus. These steps are essential if Columbia is to remain within maximum cumulative emissions targets on the way to becoming net zero by 2050, and, second, exceed the requirements of Local Law 97 in New York City.
Columbia’s work to eliminate on-campus fossil fuel combustion and electrify the campus is supported by actions across New York State to green the electric grid and to achieve the state’s goals of 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
The announcement coincides with the start of Climate Week NYC 2021, a weeklong call to action and showcase for climate solutions.
