"Charting the Path to Sustainability: Princeton University's Environmental Commitments"

Overview

 On Earth Day in 2019, Princeton University unveiled its Sustainability Action Plan, outlining ambitious goals designed to push beyond current limitations. The plan emphasizes accountability and collaboration among various university departments. Academic and operational studies, as well as demonstration projects conducted on campus, will serve as evidence for our sustainability efforts. Additionally, communication and outreach initiatives, informed by behavioral science, will engage campus community members and partners to address challenges and celebrate achievements.

The active involvement of students, staff, and faculty, who shape the academic, physical, and social aspects of the campus, is crucial in achieving our sustainability objectives. As we approach 2026 and beyond, we anticipate ongoing experimentation and learning, with strategies evolving to seize new opportunities.

Vision:

To instill, embody, and celebrate a culture of sustainability at Princeton University for the betterment of humanity and the planet.

Mission:

Princeton University serves as a model for sustainable practices and innovation, driving action at all levels, from individual to global.

Scales of Action:

History:

Building upon the foundation laid by the 2008 Sustainability Plan, the Sustainability Action Plan represents Princeton's ongoing commitment to sustainability. This initial plan, which engaged academics, operations, and the broader campus community, set forth ambitious targets for operational improvements by 2020, along with regular performance evaluations. Midway through the implementation of the 2008 plan, an external review by experts in the field provided valuable insights, leading to the establishment of governance committees to guide sustainability planning and decision-making.

These committees played a pivotal role in adopting institutional Sustainability Principles in 2014 and Decision-Making Criteria for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction in 2015. These principles and criteria have informed major initiatives such as the 2026 Campus Plan and the current Sustainability Action Plan.

Reduce Campus Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Net Zero

Objective

Accounting for campus growth, achieve carbon neutrality by 2046 — Princeton’s 300th anniversary — through the use of repeatable, scalable, and innovative solutions.

Setting Objectives for the Short and Long Term

Princeton University has set a new objective aiming to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions on campus by 2046, or possibly earlier. This entails reducing both direct emissions from on-site energy production and fleet fuel usage, as well as indirect emissions from purchased electricity. Additionally, efforts are being directed towards examining procurement strategies for construction materials, recognizing their contribution to indirect emissions.

The journey towards carbon neutrality involves not only structural changes but also fostering community engagement and individual behavioral shifts. Initiatives are being implemented to involve members of the campus community who wield influence in energy-intensive environments like laboratories and large event spaces.

Progress at Princeton

Since 2008, Princeton University has made significant strides in emission reduction despite adding over 3 million gross square feet of built space since 1990. The university has managed notable absolute reductions from its 2008 baseline without resorting to market offset purchases. As of summer 2022, emissions have remained below pre-COVID levels, despite the campus being fully operational and with air exchange rates in buildings still elevated above pre-COVID levels. The ongoing conversion of energy infrastructure on campus is laying the groundwork for achieving carbon neutrality, with the aim of operating nearly fossil-free by 2046, if not earlier.

Campus Action Items

Convert from natural gas-fueled campus steam production to a heating hot water system with geo-exchange wells and heat pumps.

Renew allocation of $50 million in energy-efficiency improvements for existing buildings.

Expand solar power generation on campus, and evaluate off-campus renewable electricity options that meet our decision-making criteria.

Track and reduce key indirect greenhouse gas emissions sources (Scope 3 emissions).

Investigate long-term fuel alternatives that verifiably contribute to a fossil-free future.

Re-evaluate our greenhouse gas emissions inventory (Scope 1 and 2) to assure that all significant sources of campus-based emissions are included.

Align effective practices to reduce indirect and direct greenhouse gas emissions across campus through coordinated departmental action plans.

Advance evidence-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction solutions by continuing to actively engage students and faculty to serve on advisory committees and by supporting campus-as-lab research endeavors.

Reinforce Princeton’s climate action objectives during key programs, including but not limited to orientation for all students, faculty and staff; campus tours; Princeton Preview for undergraduates; visiting weekends for graduate students; residential life and campus dining; athletics; Reunions and other events.

Apply behavioral science approaches to promote widespread adoption of mindful energy-use behaviors, through programs, building design and other methods.

Scale action beyond Princeton through partnerships, such as the International District Energy Association and the Microgrid Resources Coalition, which was co-founded with multiple partners by Princeton’s Facilities’ Engineering and Campus Energy department.

Reduce Water Usage

Objective

Reduce water consumption both campus-wide and per person.

Efforts Towards Water Conservation at Princeton University

Setting ambitious goals starting from 2008, Princeton University is committed to decreasing both individual and overall water consumption across its campus, regardless of any expansion. By 2046, the aim is to achieve a substantial 26 percent reduction in annual campus water usage. The strategy involves prioritizing the preservation of potable water in energy systems and everyday use, with a focus on utilizing reclaimed and rainwater where feasible.

Princeton’s Progress To Date

Over the past decade, Princeton has made notable strides in reducing water consumption on campus. Various measures have been implemented, including conservation efforts at the central plant, introducing tray-free dining in all dining halls, adopting sustainable practices in athletics and landscaping, and installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures, washing machines, and dishwashers. Despite an increase in the campus population and infrastructure, water usage has already dropped by 15 percent as of 2021.

Furthermore, Princeton Campus Dining has been proactive in addressing off-campus water usage by promoting health and sustainability. The introduction of the Princeton Crafted Burger in 2016, featuring a blend of beef and plant-based ingredients, has significantly reduced the water footprint associated with beef consumption. This initiative underscores Princeton's commitment to scalable actions aimed at mitigating water scarcity globally.

Campus Action Items

Reduce water usage at Princeton’s central plant, the single top water user on campus, by converting to more sustainable energy infrastructure over time.

Continue to assess and implement water-conserving landscape practices, plumbing fixtures and building systems, and engage users in maximizing their effectiveness.

Standardize installation of dual piping in new buildings and major renovations where possible to facilitate use of reclaimed water and harvested rainwater for toilets.

Install additional water metering and sub-metering to enable better performance tracking, including water usage associated with irrigation.

Continue to evaluate the feasibility of reclaimed wastewater technologies.

Align campus water conservation targets across key water-using departments and activities, and continue to assess indirect water usage associated with campus procurement activities.

Advance evidence-based solutions that reduce our water use by encouraging students, faculty and staff to use the campus as a living lab.

Reinforce Princeton’s water-reduction targets during key planning efforts, including campus design and development activities, establishment of landscape management practices, and procurement practices.

Apply behavioral science approaches to promote widespread adoption of mindful water use behaviors, including through programs and building design.

Scale action beyond Princeton through advocacy that encourages local and state-wide water conservation.

Increase Area Under Enhanced Stormwater Management

Objective

Expand the area on campus that meets high standards for improved surface water quality and reduced runoff, and monitor outcomes so that best practices can be shared.

Short and Long-Term Goals for Sustainable Stormwater Management

Looking forward, our focus is on expanding our strategies for managing stormwater to ensure both its quantity and quality align with our environmental goals. We are particularly concerned with the impact of campus runoff on Lake Carnegie, the D&R Canal, and surrounding water bodies. Our ongoing efforts include a comprehensive outflow monitoring program aimed at assessing the effectiveness of our management practices.

Princeton’s Environmental Initiatives Thus Far

In 2008, Princeton University initiated a campus-wide stormwater management plan rooted in ecosystem principles. Over the years, we have implemented more than 20 stormwater projects covering approximately 100 acres of campus land. These projects encompass a range of techniques, from porous pavement to the installation of green roofs. As a result of these initiatives, we have successfully reduced annual runoff by around 23 million gallons, equivalent to a 35 percent decrease, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of the runoff that does occur.

Campus Stormwater Management Summary, 2006-2018

Campus Action Items

Pursue opportunities to restore stream corridors, lake edges and wetlands.

Achieve enhanced stormwater management objectives through new construction projects and campus landscape solutions (e.g., subsurface infiltration, bioretention, stormwater harvesting, green roofs, porous pavement, natural storm water treatment landscapes, green infrastructure corridors, etc.).

Implement an ongoing monitoring program for campus stormwater outflow quality and quantity.

Study the feasibility of converting conventionally farmed campus land to sustainable farming practices with minimal synthetic chemical inputs.

Advance evidence-based stormwater management solutions by actively encouraging students, faculty and staff to use the campus as a living lab.

Raise the visibility of active stormwater management research across the University community through communications such as temporary interpretive signage in the landscape and experiential learning activities in courses.

Apply behavioral science approaches to promote interaction with integrative stormwater management and habitat areas on campus.

Scale action beyond Princeton through information-sharing and collaboration with, for example, local municipalities and watershed organizations.

Design and Develop Responsibly

Objective

Implement an integrative design process in new construction and renovations to meet University sustainability performance targets while making more efficient use of land and optimizing use of built space.

Short and Long Term Objectives

Princeton University is taking bold steps towards sustainability, with a focus on integrating design principles for both indoor and outdoor spaces. This forward-looking approach aims to meet ambitious sustainability goals while fostering a culture of eco-consciousness.

At the heart of Princeton's design objectives is the intention to visibly and tangibly promote sustainable practices and choices. Rather than solely focusing on operational sustainability, the university's design strategies now emphasize shaping personal and institutional behaviors that contribute to broader sustainability and community-building efforts. Efficiency in space utilization is also a key priority, prompting careful consideration of occupancy rates and scheduling effectiveness.

Princeton’s Progress To Date

In recent years, Princeton has made significant progress in its sustainability endeavors. The 2016 Campus Plan embraced rigorous sustainable building guidelines established in 2008, resulting in the construction of over 2 million square feet of building area adhering to these standards. Notably, much of this construction took place on existing hardscape areas. Additionally, innovative stormwater management strategies implemented as part of the plan have led to a significant reduction in campus runoff, estimated at 35 percent.

Several notable projects and renovations undertaken in the past decade have contributed to Princeton's sustainability efforts. These include initiatives such as the Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Sherrerd Hall, the Julis Romo Rabinowitz Building, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, and Lakeside Graduate Housing. Furthermore, third-party developments have also met stringent sustainability criteria, showcasing a broader commitment to eco-friendly practices across the campus.

Campus Action Items

Implement an Integrative Design Process (IDP) in capital projects.

For major projects, obtain third-party green building certification where feasible, equivalent to LEED Gold standards or better depending on building type.

Continue to apply the biannually revised Design Standards Manual (DSM), which defines minimum building performance and Life Cycle Costing Assessment requirements for systems and materials.

Maximize efficient use of land by integrating layered functions such as stormwater management and geothermal wells integrated into athletic fields, etc.

Optimize use of space through efficient building design, compact development footprints and improved room scheduling.

Analyze major building systems and materials with an internal “carbon pricing” assessment as well as a newly adopted comparison with the cost of installing off-campus green power infrastructure.

Develop a comprehensive post-occupancy building performance evaluation process that includes user feedback.

Encourage campus-as-lab investigations when new construction or land-use change opportunities arise.

Raise the visibility of sustainable building features through communications such as interpretive signage and experiential learning activities in courses.

Implement a Sustainability Advocacy Committee to serve as the steward of campus sustainability targets and objectives across all capital projects.

Reinforce Princeton’s design and development goals during key programs, including orientation for all new design teams and administrative leadership, and collaborative sessions with local municipal and nonprofit teams.

Apply behavioral science approaches during design and operations that nudge the behavior of building occupants to reduce the use of resources.

Scale action beyond Princeton through engagement, such as with architectural and design associations, and by building relationships with practitioners who can apply novel ideas adopted on campus in our region and beyond.

Expand the on-site reuse of soils from construction sites to reduce the costs and environmental impacts associated with transporting and processing soils off-site.

In the upcoming blog post, we'll delve deeper into the sustainable practices embraced by Princeton University. Stay tuned for an exploration of their commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative initiatives.