Whereas, Oregon State University (OSU) has committed to becoming a leader in sustainability and carbon neutrality; and

Whereas, the Faculty Senate Carbon Commitment Committee has highlighted the need for urgent action and innovative solutions to achieve OSU's climate goals; and

Whereas, achieving carbon neutrality by OSU will require concerted action at all levels of the university; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the OSU Faculty Senate and ASOSU Senate call upon central university leadership, Deans, other unit leaders, faculty, staff and students to prioritize the objectives of the approved OSU Path to Carbon Neutrality:

  1. Increase explicit investments in decarbonization:
    • Allocate significant resources towards improving energy efficiency in existing facilities and investing in low- or no-carbon energy systems.
    • Create a dedicated fund to finance carbon reduction projects initiated by students, staff, and faculty, incentivizing innovation and engagement by colleges, units, and individuals who take significant actions towards carbon reduction.
  2. Establish policies, structures, and support for rapid implementation:
    • Develop and enforce policies and structures that promote rapid decarbonization across all university operations, including at the college-, unit-, and individual-level.
    • Empower decarbonization work and provide consistent support to enact meaningful change.
  3. Engage the entire university community to create a culture of climate action:
    • Call on all faculty, staff, and students to prioritize carbon reduction in their daily activities.
    • Create opportunities for education and training to support climate action.

Resolved, That this resolution be communicated by the Faculty Senate President to the OSU Board of Trustees, the OSU President, the OSU Provost and Executive Vice President, the Associate Vice President of University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations, the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, and deans and other unit leaders, urging them to strengthen and reconfirm OSU’s carbon commitment and act swiftly in adopting these measures to ensure that OSU meets its carbon neutrality goals.