Climate Action Plan

Emory University School of Law has placed an emphasis on creating a culture of sustainability. As an active participant in Emory University’s Climate Action Plan, the law school has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing curricular and co-curricular education around issues related to climate change and environmental protection.

In recent years, the law school has completed or is in the process of instituting key initiatives.

Sustainable Building and Construction

  • Constructed a new concrete roof, with increased insulation and a reflective white color to reduce energy use.
  • Encouraged shared work spaces to reduce the need for new built space.
  • Conducted a Utility Reduction and Energy Conservation Action (URECA) Phase II Project with Emory University to improve energy efficiency in the law school building. The project yielded a 33% energy reduction by October 2012.
  • Installed energy efficient light bulbs throughout the law school.
  • Installed motion sensors on lights in designated bathrooms, classrooms, and offices in the law school and law library.
  • Purchased energy efficient equipment and appliances, including refrigerators and microwaves.
  • Instituted computing and data management approaches (including virtualized servers and energy saving software) and networked most printers to reduce equipment use and energy consumption.

Water Conservation

  • Installed low-flow faucets and toilets in most of the law school and law library bathrooms.

Transportation Emissions Reduction

  • Permitting and promoting alternative and flexible work arrangements (including working from home) to reduce emissions associated with commuting.
  • Promoting incentives for reduced air and car travel through teleconferencing, including those incentives provided by the Clean Air Campaign (www.logyourcommute.org), and encouraging use of Skype for interviews and conferences.
  • Installing additional bike racks on the law school campus.
  • Providing free membership in the zipcar program.

Waste Minimization and Food

  • Increasing recycling and composting with the ultimate goal of becoming a "zero waste" unit. 
  • Encouraging "green event principles" for all events, including Commencement.
  • Installing water bottle filling stations in the law school and law library to reduce plastic water bottle waste.

Curricular and Co-Curricular Education

  • Encouraged the use of electronic reserves to reduce the need for printed course materials.
  • Installed digital monitors throughout the law school and law library to communicate student events, information, and other content, eliminating a significant amount of flyers, posters, and other paper waste.
  • Continuing our commitment to use elecronic reserves.
  • Designing orientation, annual celebrations, student organization events, and commencement activities that support a culture of sustainability.
  • Seeking continuous input from students, faculty, and staff on new sustainability initiatives or ways to improve existing initiatives.

Climate Action Plan Committee