Analyze Technology Options
An effective climate action plan follows a portfolio approach and addresses each energy sector on campus. This section outlines how various technology options would fit into a campus climate action plan and provides examples of how others have used these technologies. Links to definitions, technology basics, and references are also provided.
Use the Climate Action Planning Tool to identify which options will lead to the most significant reductions in consumption of fossil fuels and in turn meet campus greenhouse gas reduction goals.
People and Policy 
Formulate policies that have a long-term effect on energy consumption and identify human behaviors that lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Buildings
Take a whole-building approach when evaluating campus buildings. Also, remember energy efficiency comes first. Maximize energy efficiency in both existing and new buildings before doing anything else.
Transportation
Reduce vehicle miles traveled, switch your fleets to alternative fuels, and offer transportation alternatives that reduce occupant dependency on single-passenger vehicles.
Energy Sources
Optimize the energy supply based on carbon fuels at the central power plant, and then add renewable energy systems wherever practicable.
At the Central Plant
Use Renewable Energy
Offsets and Certificates
Buy carbon offsets and green power as the last step in an overall strategy to meet long-term carbon reduction targets. You can also purchase offsets as a way to "top off" progress toward an interim goal.
After completing these steps, next prepare a climate action plan and set priorities.
