Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America. Founded in 1900 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the university has a long history of excellence in education and research. CMU is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, business, and the arts, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.

As a leading institution of higher education, CMU is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. The university has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources. In 2016, CMU signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

One of the key strategies that CMU is using to achieve its decarbonisation goals is corporate energy management. The university has implemented a comprehensive energy management program that includes energy audits, retrofits, and the use of renewable energy sources. CMU has also established a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with a local wind farm to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset its carbon emissions.

The corporate PPA is a key component of CMU’s sustainability strategy. Under the agreement, the university purchases RECs from a local wind farm that generates renewable energy. The RECs represent the environmental attributes of the renewable energy, and by purchasing them, CMU is able to claim the environmental benefits of the renewable energy without physically consuming it. The RECs are retired on behalf of the university, which means that they cannot be resold or reused by another party.

The corporate PPA has several benefits for CMU. First, it allows the university to reduce its carbon footprint by offsetting its emissions with renewable energy credits. Second, it provides a stable and predictable source of renewable energy that is not subject to the fluctuations of the energy market. Third, it supports the development of local renewable energy projects, which helps to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

In addition to the corporate PPA, CMU has implemented a number of other renewable energy projects on campus. The university has installed solar panels on several buildings, including the Collaborative Innovation Center and the Gates Hillman Complex. These solar panels generate electricity that is used on campus, reducing the university’s reliance on fossil fuels. CMU has also installed a geothermal heating and cooling system in the new Tepper Quad building, which uses the earth’s natural temperature to regulate the building’s temperature.

CMU’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its energy management program. The university has implemented a number of other initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a comprehensive recycling program, a green cleaning program, and a sustainable transportation program. CMU has also established a green fund, which provides funding for sustainability projects on campus.

In conclusion, Carnegie Mellon University is a leading institution of higher education that is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. The university has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources. CMU’s corporate energy management program, including its corporate PPA, is a key strategy for achieving these goals. The university’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its energy management program, with a number of other initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. CMU’s leadership in sustainability serves as a model for other institutions of higher education and demonstrates the important role that universities can play in addressing the global challenge of climate change.