Elon unveiled its new sustainability master plan on April 22. The plan calls for more sustainable practices on campus in academics, dining, engagement, facilities, purchasing, technology, transportation and waste. It also reiterates Elon’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2037, a target established by the first campus sustainability plan in 2007.

At the launch party for Sustainability Master Plan 2025, Elon University President Connie Book addressed potential concerns with the carbon neutrality goal, saying it is ambitious but attainable.

“To me, that measurable, long-term, sustained effort is going to deliver our vision,” Book said.

The Office of Sustainability developed the plan over 18 months with participation from over 300 Elon students, faculty and staff through listening sessions, working groups and feedback. Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for Education and Outreach, mentors and works with students who promote sustainability around campus and also hosts workshops and trainings on sustainable efforts.

“Our main mission is to work educationally to help students, faculty and staff understand sustainability and how they can be more sustainable, and then to work operationally to make sure we’re running as sustainable as possible,” Harer said.

Book specifically complimented the Office of Sustainability on the plan and encouraged students to do their part to combat climate change.

“I would say that today, especially on Earth Day, reminds us of all of the personal responsibility we carry for the world and what the world is going to look like in the future,” Book said. “The plan is an expression of that commitment and responsibility that the institution is undertaking.”

Harer also emphasized how individual action can lead to community action and have broader impacts on climate change.

“Individually we all play a part in sustainability,” Harer said. “It’s a really interesting time for climate work right now. The science tells us that the climate is changing and there are system changes that need to happen, and individual actions are also really important.”

Additionally, Book referred to environmental activist and author Bill McKibben, who has long challenged institutions and large organizations to take collective action against climate change. McKibben will deliver the Earth Week keynote address at 7 p.m. April 23 in Alumni Gym.

“If institutions like Elon do it, that’s really going to help move our country and world forward,” Book said. “That is the momentum.”