Friday, June 4
1:10 - 1:40 PM (ET)

“Becoming the First U.S. University to Achieve Carbon Neutrality”

Abstract

American University met its ambitious 2020 carbon neutrality target two years early in 2018, securing its place as the first urban campus, first research university, largest higher education institution, and first university to achieve carbon neutrality. Using a strategy of prioritized reduced demand, expanding the use of renewables, and finally using a variety of offsets, AU was able to reduce emissions to net zero. Megan Litke, Director of Sustainability Programs, will discuss AU’s path to carbon neutrality along with sharing some challenges faced along the way, the importance of partnerships, and the value of active student involvement.

Biography

Megan Litke is the Director of Sustainability Programs at American University in Washington DC. Under her leadership, American University became the first university, first research university, and first urban higher education institution to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018. Prior to leading sustainability efforts at American, Megan ran the sustainability office at University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. There she completed and executed the university’s first carbon action plan. Megan previously worked with the New Orleans Recovery School District and UMass-Dartmouth on sustainability efforts as well. She began her career as a financial analyst at Harvard University. Megan holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Tulane University and masters in sustainability and environmental management from the Harvard University Extension School.