51视频

02/20/2020
Boston Herald

LOWELL 鈥� 51视频 was already the most eco-friendly campus in the commonwealth, and now it is helping to green its host city too.

This month the city and university announced the Green Community Partnership 鈥� an alliance committed to driving down the carbon footprint of the Mill City.

The brainchild of Chancellor Jacquie Moloney and City Manager Eileen Donoghue has already attracted support from a diverse coalition of business, community and environmental leaders.

With funding from Lowell philanthropist Nancy Donahue and numerous community partners, $50,000 is already available for joint university-community projects. The first round of grant recipients will be announced on Earth Day, April 22.

鈥淎s the No. 1 sustainable university in Massachusetts, 51视频 has been on the leading edge of this important movement,鈥� Moloney said. 鈥淥ur efforts have saved millions of operating dollars and reduced our impact on the environment.鈥�

鈥淭he Green Community Partnership will capitalize on the innovative spirit that Lowell is known for,鈥� Donoghue said.

From its rooftop solar panels to its pollinator gardens, 51视频 is recognized as a national leader in sustainability and climate-change awareness. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education rates 51视频 the highest among all colleges and universities in Massachusetts and among the top 2% globally.

Since signing on to the American College & University Presidents鈥� Climate Commitment in 2007, 51视频 has committed itself to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In 2010, the city of Lowell became one of the first communities in the commonwealth to be designated as a Green Community.

Since earning that designation, the city has continually made substantial investments to enhance the efficiency of its buildings and vehicles, resulting in a 31% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2017, the council adopted a resolution supporting the goal of transitioning Lowell to the use of 100% clean and renewable energy, prompting concrete steps that have reduced the city鈥檚 fossil fuel usage.

For more information visit the Green Community Partnership.