In the fall of 2021, University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced that the University of Notre Dame is committed to becoming a carbon neutral campus by 2050. On the way to carbon neutrality, the University aims for a 65 percent reduction in carbon dioxide from 2005 baseline levels by 2030. Leading this decarbonization effort is Paul Kempf (’80), assistant vice president for utilities and maintenance. In this talk, Kempf will provide an update on Notre Dame’s progress to-date on improving energy conservation measures, reducing carbon emissions, and recent ventures into solar, hydro, and geothermal energy.

Biography

Paul Kempf is the assistant vice president for utilities and maintenance at the University of Notre Dame. In this role, Kempf is responsible for the operation of the University’s power plant and heating system. He has led the development of a portfolio of renewable energy sources on campus in support of the University's Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, which has resulted in a 50-percent reduction in the University’s carbon emissions based on the gross square footage of campus, compared to 2005 baseline levels and has put Notre Dame on the path to becoming a carbon neutral campus by 2050.

ND Energy t-shirts will be handed out to early arriving students.

Downloads:
Notre Dame's Commitment to Carbon Neutrality Screen Ad (JPG)