The College of the Atlantic has become the first college to purchase carbon offsets for all of their emissions. MaineToday:
The college said it has offset its entire emissions output of 2,488 tons over the past 15 months by investing in a greenhouse gas reduction project in Oregon. ..
The college has undertaken a number of steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Last month, it began buying all its electricity through a hydroelectric generator, which will reduce its carbon emissions by 22 percent next year.
The college also has begun improving the energy efficiency of its buildings. Where possible, it has replaced fluorescent light bulbs and encouraged car pools, bicycling and flexible work schedules so that some employees can work at home.
To become carbon neutral, the college is buying carbon offsets for about $25,000 through The Climate Trust of Oregon. Carbon offsets aim to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by investing in carbon-reduction programs to offset emissions generated elsewhere.
