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In June 2007, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ joined 270 colleges and universities in signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020. In April of 2018, carbon neutrality was achieved two years ahead of schedule, making ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ only the third college in the country to have achieved its commitment.

Through a variety of energy projects, campus engagement, and a greening of the Maine electrical grid, the College reduced its onsite carbon emissions by 29 percent—surpassing its original goals. To achieve this emissions reduction milestone, the College has updated much of its campus infrastructure. These projects have included installing a cogenerations turbine, converting buildings from oil to natural gas, insulating pipes, and replacing thousands of lights with efficient LEDs.

To account for our remaining emissions, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ is investing in carbon offsets with regional impacts, and in renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with wind farms. These tools will help the College maintain a net-zero carbon footprint as it continues to actively pursue ways to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Since declaring carbon neutrality, the Sustainability Implementation Committee has been working with the campus community and energy consultants to craft the Sustainable ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ 2042 plan.  This plan sets a commitment to become a fossil fuel free campus by 2042, and increases the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ community's awareness of and engagement with sustainability.