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A Climate-Neutral Action Plan Lewis Clark Purpose The purpose of this plan is to establish actions specific to Lewis Clark as guided by the principals outlined in the American College University Presidents Climate Commitment originally created in September of 2007 that will significantly reduce the carbon emissions footprint on the campus by the year 2018. Climate change is a growing concern for Lewis Clark and one that has incited the College to take action. Nearly all of its students, faculty and staff are currently engaged in activities to address this serious challenge. Lewis Clark signed the Commitment in 2008, but did not wait until then to begin its sustainability program. Energy conservation has been a key part of every capital campaign since 1991. This plan will help to formalize these activities, document the successes of the past and organize future efforts. Intent The intent of a climate action plan is to establish infrastructure, goals, metrics and procedures that will guide the reduction of carbon and other greenhouse gases in a systemic fashion. This document is intended to be a framework, and will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure its relevancy. A common understanding of the goals, metrics and actions necessary to achieve climate neutrality is a must for any organization that seeks this goal. A written plan is thus an essential first step in creating a single platform of understanding for staff, students and faculty. Background Since 1991, the Lewis Clark campus has increased building area from 887,000 gross square feet (gsf) to 1,250,000 gsf (a 41% increase). The number of students living on campus has increased from 848 to 1205 (a 42% increase) and the number of faculty and staff has increased from 700 to 800 (a 14% increase). During this same period of time, Lewis Clark completed energy conservation measures having a project cost of $3,837,000 that resulted in reducing annual electrical consumption by 4,220,000 kWh an