We will reinforce Clark’s leadership position as a community that prioritizes sustainability.

Clark has a longstanding commitment to promoting best practices around campus sustainability. In 2007, Clark became a charter signatory to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, an initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since the 1980s, we have reduced our environmental impact through multiple efforts: establishing a cogeneration plant on campus, a recycling center, green buildings, and other initiatives. The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges has regularly included Clark among the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, citing the University’s sustainability-focused programs and investments, and access to parks and green spaces.

“At Clark, we don’t stop at basic research — we take foundational knowledge and bring it into real-world applications. It makes our work more relevant to society and creates a more vibrant experience for our students.”

Christopher A. Williams
Director of Environmental Sciences
and Professor of Geography

However, given the emerging and pressing issues surrounding climate and global change — so significant that we have identified that concern as one of our four academic areas of focus — it is time for Clark to reinforce our leadership position as a campus and community that prioritizes sustainability. To make an impact, we need to continue to implement sustainability standards in our new and existing buildings and landscapes and make measurable progress toward carbon neutrality.