Concordia College sets goal to become carbon neutral by 2050

(Moorhead, MN) -- A local university is looking to reduce its carbon footprint via several short and long term plans. 

Concordia College announced the Climate Action Plan Thursday evening. The plan, created by the college president's Sustainability Council, aims to follow a promise made in 2017 under the national Integrated Climate Commitment. 

“The college is compelled to act to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for engaged citizenship – to care for the earth, be responsible, and work for equity and justice,” said Dr. Ken Foster, chair of the President’s Sustainability Council.

The college is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by becoming carbon neutral via several short term and long term methods. In the next several years, the college is looking to complete several thermostat and lighting control upgrades, and also encourage the purchasing of local foods and alternative transportation for its students and staff. In the distant future, an engineering firm hired by the college will investigate the possibility of a geothermal system to power the heating and cooling on the campus. Additional long-term strategies include adding climate focused coursework to the core curriculum within the college.

“There is no more pressing global need than addressing the reality of climate change,” said President William Craft.

You can read more about the announcement from Concordia College by clicking here.