University of New Haven Signs "We Are Still In" Statement Supporting Paris Climate Accord

Dear Campus Community,

I am very pleased to announce that the University of New Haven has become a signatory to the "We Are Still In" statement, which supports the environmental goals outlined in the Paris Climate Accord.

In signing this statement, we joined more than 1,000 U.S. governors, mayors, businesses, universities, and others who also added their names, signifying their support for the Accord.

The statement declares that the signers will, in the absence of federal support: continue to pursue ambitious climate goals; ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing emissions; remain actively engaged with the international community as part of the global effort to hold global warming to under 2°C; and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy to benefit our security, prosperity, and health.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is the U.N. Secretary-General’s special envoy for Cities and Climate Change, submitted the statement to U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa.

I strongly believe it is incumbent on all of us to take action to ensure that the planet will be a safe, healthy environment for our children, grandchildren and all future generations.

I strongly believe it is incumbent on all of us to take action to ensure that the planet will be a safe, healthy environment for our children, grandchildren and all future generations. I am proud of the University of New Haven’s long-standing commitment to sustainable practices and the fact that we remain committed to minimizing our carbon footprint even further.

In the past few years, the University has taken bold steps to put this commitment into practice. New construction has focused on energy savings and sustainable materials. Celentano Hall, a LEED Gold-certified residence hall, includes — among other features — roof-top solar panels that students helped design and install. Westside Hall, the University’s newest residence hall, has been recognized by the Green Energy Council of Connecticut for energy innovation in institutional housing. The University also employs a comprehensive recycling program and green cleaning methods, promotes alternative green transportation programs (e.g. carpooling, mass transit, bicycle), and has instituted water and energy reduction programs.

These as well as other initiatives, have greatly contributed to reducing the University’s carbon footprint. Please join me in feeling proud of the campus we call home and which is helping to lead the charge toward preserving our beautiful environment.

Sincerely,  

Steve Kaplan
President