AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Amherst today unveiled UMass Carbon Zero — an ambitious vision to limit the dangers of climate change and power the commonwealth’s 1,500-acre flagship campus with 100% renewable energy by approximately 2032.
The university is at the vanguard of a big idea, said Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, aspiring to pilot a solution for Massachusetts as it addresses the climate crisis. “Our pioneering work on this complex, large-scale undertaking will have ramifications far beyond campus,” Subbaswamy said. “UMass Amherst will be a leader of carbon mitigation efforts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts while educating the next generation of leaders in sustainability. UMass Carbon Zero will serve as a model for other large research universities as they embark upon their own energy transitions.” Full details of the path to carbon zero can be found at www.umass.edu/carbon-neutrality.
The exceptional support from the state legislature in addition to continued strong enrollment and robust campus activities provide for an increased resource base sufficient to restore campus operations to pre-pandemic levels and make investments in critical areas to sustain and build on our success. In FY23, the campus has received an additional $23 Million (M) of state appropriation above collective bargaining costs. This increase and continued support from the state highlight the value the Commonwealth places on a strong and vibrant flagship university. In addition, strong enrollment and robust campus activities provide for an increased resource base sufficient to restore campus operations to pre-pandemic levels and make investments in critical areas to sustain and build on our success.