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Publication Date

2026-4

Document Type

Special Studies

Study Type

ENV 400

Department

Environmental Science and Policy

Advisors

Alexander Barron

Keywords

Contributions, offsets, higher education institute, carbon neutrality, decarbonization, residual emissions

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) around the United States are working towards their carbon neutrality goals. However, the main way HEIs are achieving neutrality for direct emissions is through the use of carbon offsets. An increasing body of research suggests that the offset market is plagued with numerous quality issues related to additionality, permanence, and enforcement. Even if high quality offsets are available, they present relatively narrow solutions to the interconnected and complex problem of climate change. Climate contributions offers an alternative way for HEIs to address their residual carbon emissions by seeking system changes instead of ton-for-ton accounting, while also considering environmental justice and reducing moral hazards (offsets displacing decarbonization). Contributions sets a price on residual emissions and that money funds climate efforts outside the institution, at either the local or international level. This approach allows for direct relationship building with community members, as well as open channels of communication and experimentation with shared governance models. HEIs are uniquely positioned to experiment beyond the constraints of the offset market and use their financial and convening powers to fund broader systems change.

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