Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  May 1, 2023

Catawba College Achieves Carbon Neutrality

Catawba College, a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Salisbury, N.C., announced the school achieved carbon neutrality seven years ahead of its 2030 climate commitment.

Second Nature, a non-profit organization working to accelerate climate action in and through higher education, confirmed Catawba College is the 13th college nationwide and the first institute of higher learning in the Southeast to meet the organization’s standards for carbon neutrality.

To reach net zero, the college is using a mix of renewable energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy credits and carbon offsets. The renewable energy credits and carbon offsets include local sources such as the Scotland Neck Solar Installation in Halifax County, the Chocowinity Solar Project in Beaufort County, and the Buncombe County Landfill Gas Project. This mix reduces campus emissions and covers the college’s direct emissions impact and indirect emissions from activities like commuting, business travel, and operations waste.

“Achieving carbon neutrality reflects our values as an institution,” said Catawba College President David P. Nelson in a statement. “Out of the over 400 institutions of higher learning that made a commitment to carbon neutrality with Second Nature, Catawba College’s success in meeting and surpassing our timeline reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainability and the environment in the classroom and in our operations.”

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