In September 2009, Delaware State University, through its then acting president Dr. Claibourne Smith, pledged its time and dedication to “Going Green” by becoming a signatory of the American College and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). “The goal is to make our campus more sustainable and to eliminate its contribution to global warming over time,” said Dr. Smith. Since then, DSU has elected its 10th president, Dr. Harry Lee Williams who has continued pushing sustainability efforts faster than anticipated with the launch of countless initiatives through the University’s “Think Green” campaign including the establishment of a task force composed of over 80 members representing the Universities Board of Trustees, executive administrators, faculty, and Student Government Association.

In September of 2009, Delaware State University also became a signatory the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), but also became members of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and a charter member of AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). Delaware State University was also appointed to the STARS Steering Committee, along with five other universities.

With the launch of the “THINK GREEN” campaign, DSU proposes to engage the university community in the development and implementation of a long-term, energy conservation program that will:

• Build on the DSU’s emerging Go Green program and initiative.
• Engage students to conduct some of the critical activities required by DSU’s commitment to the ACUPCC and sustainability.

Plan of Operation

In signing on to the ACUPCC, DSU committed to the following plan and timeline:

1. Within a year of signing the agreement, a carbon inventory must be completed.
2. Two years after the Commitment is signed, universities must develop an action plan to become carbon neutral.
3. The action plan shall include goals to reduce carbon emissions and a time frame for becoming carbon neutral.
4. Suggested measures include meeting LEED or equivalent building standards, adopting an energy efficient purchasing policy, providing public transportation incentives and purchasing renewable energy.

In preparation for these commitments, DSU formulated a Steering Committee in October 2009 and since then, DSU has been moving forward to a greener, more sustainable University for all to see. Access this website often to stay “In the Know” with DSU Green activities and progress.