Set Decarbonization Goals

Steps to Setting Your Decarbonization Goals

Establish a Baseline

Establish a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions baseline for comparison with future measurements. When you assess current conditions, be sure they’re calculated with the same methodology to be used in future inventories.

Additional resources:

• The GHG Protocol Offers a comprehensive and detailed global guidance document to help in preparing a GHG emissions inventory.
• Second Nature Provides a handbook and other great resources for signatories of their Climate Leadership Network.

Decide Which Emissions Sources to Include

Scopes 1, 2, and 3 are commonly included in campus decarbonization goals. This Playbook focuses on strategies for reducing operational Scope 1 (stationary fuels, transport fuels, fertilizer, refrigerants and chemicals) and 2 (utility consumption) emissions through decarbonizing existing campus buildings and infrastructure.

Additional resources:

• Second Nature’s Carbon Neutral Colleges & Universities : Provides a full list of what’s included in each scope and a more comprehensive look at the GHG emission to be tracked and eliminated.

Align Your Target with State, Local, and Regional Goals

State GHG emissions reduction targets can be a good benchmark for your own goals. They’re also important in terms of the availability of a cleaner electrical grid and state incentives for decarbonization. New York State has created programs, incentives and grants to help. Local and regional policies may also impact the goals you set. Check if your city or region has an emissions target before setting your own goal.

Additional resources:

• NYSERDA’s New York State Policies and Local Laws: Gives an overview of State and local energy policies and laws guiding the clean energy transition.
• The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions State Climate Policy Maps : Offers GHG emission targets by state, a map of states that have submitted climate action plans, and policies for electricity and transportation.

Coordinate Your Efforts with Existing Institutional Plans

Review your decarbonization goal with the efforts already in progress at your institution. As part of your full current condition assessment, you should complete a deep dive into the existing plans and standards. It’s important to understand how current campus plans can complement your decarbonization goals or even offer pathways to acquire the resources to help you with implementing decarbonization solutions.

Compare Your Goal with Similar Institutions

Collaborate with your peers and assess your goals against theirs. Reach out to similar institutions for guidance and get buy-in from decision-makers on campus. Our case studies can be a great source of information and may serve as inspiration.

Case studies:

• Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) STARS report : Provides a self-reported list of colleges and universities measuring their sustainability performance. 
• Binghamton University Sustainability Plan : Offers an overview of their goals and objectives and defined terms for the development of their plan.
• Cornell University Climate Action Plan : Details the institutions overarching commitments and current strategies and actions.
• New York University Climate Goals : Provides a look at their GHG goals using graphs and a timeline of commitments throughout the years.
• Sustainability Indicator Management & Analysis Platform (SIMAP®) : Charts colleges and universities who have made public commitments to climate action through the Climate Leadership Network.
• Syracuse University Climate Action Plan : Illustrates GHG emissions through graphs and infographics and provides a detailed PDF of their Climate Action Plan for 2024-2032.

Get Buy-in From Decision-Makers

Establishing a decarbonization goal is an iterative process and should include frequent communication with decision-makers on campus. Demonstrate how the goal was determined and the feasibility for achieving the goal. Include information about strategies that peer institutions are using to decarbonize their own campuses.

Announce Your Commitment

Announce your institution’s new carbon reduction targets publicly to stakeholders. This will help achieve the following objectives:

• Provides public accountability for meeting the goal, folding those commitments into institutional planning and budgeting cycles.
• Indicates that your institution is serious about decarbonization, which can positively impact college rankings, reputation, and student enrollment.
• Assists in institutional advancement efforts, as alumni and funders may be motivated by your campus’ dedication and planning.
• Encourages your peer institutions to move forward with their own goal-setting process.