Carleton Sustainability Representatives Present Session at 2019 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Fred Rogers, vice president and treasurer; Martha Larson, manager of campus energy and sustainability; and Steven Spehn, director of facilities and capital planning, recently presented a session at the 2019 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Tempe, Ariz. Hosted by Second Nature and the Intentional Endowment Network (IEN), the summit brought together leaders in higher education, including presidents, trustees, CFOs, endowment/foundation officers, and sustainability directors, with diverse stakeholders to plan and equip for the large-scale solutions needed in the next decade to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, according to recent scientific reports.

The three Carleton sustainability representatives presented “Reimagining District Energy in the 21st Century,” providing an overview of Carleton’s plan to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption and operating costs by transitioning the campus steam heating system to a “low temperature” hot water system.

Second Nature (www.secondnature.org) is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. This is accomplished by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. Second Nature aims to align, amplify, and bridge the sector’s efforts with other global leaders to advance urgent climate priorities.

The Intentional Endowments Network (www.intentionalendowments.org) is a non-profit, peer-learning network advancing intentionally designed endowments – those that seek to enhance financial performance by aligning investments with institutional mission, values, and sustainability goals. It provides opportunities for learning and education, peer networking, convening, thought leadership and information exchange around a variety of strategies (e.g., ESG integration, impact investing, and shareholder engagement) across asset classes.