In 2007, Duke University set an ambitious target for carbon neutrality and successfully fulfilled its pledge in 2024, becoming the first of its academic peers to meet neutrality. Since 2007, greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced through various initiatives despite significant campus growth. Contributing activities include discontinuing the use of coal on campus, significant increases in building and utility plant efficiency, and commuting reductions through hybrid work arrangements.
Duke University reduced its emissions by 31% and retired carbon offsets to meet carbon neutrality in 2024 only. Energy emissions decreased 42% from the baseline year of 2007 despite an increase in over 3 million gross sq. feet of campus building space. While transportation emissions increased by 4% since 2007, emissions per capita have dropped by nearly 17%. Duke University purchased a portfolio of 232,000 high quality carbon offset projects, primarily made up of industrial emission reduction projects. All emissions accounting and neutrality claims were third-party verified.
Looking forward, Duke’s carbon footprint will be significantly reduced when a 101-megawatt solar energy project comes online in 2025, which will produce 50% of the University’s electricity needs. Further building efficiency and utility infrastructure upgrades will continue.
To learn more, please view the Duke’s Journey to Carbon Neutrality.