Fossil Fuels
A non-renewable energy source made up of hydrocarbons that release greenhouse gas emissions when burned. Modern society is dependent on fossil fuels, with around 80% of all global energy demand met by coal, oil, and natural gas.
Greenhouse Gas Emission
Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and raise the temperature on earth. The production and consumption of fossil fuels release many different greenhouse gasses, the most common are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxide.
Renewable Energy
Energy that is harnessed from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
Invest
The allocation of money or resources into an asset, company, or other venture with the expectation of generating income or profit over time.
Divest
Divestment is the process of selling off assets, investments, or subsidiaries, often for financial, ethical, or political reasons.
Carbon-Intensive Companies
Companies or businesses that produce a large amount of carbon emissions in their operations or sell products that generate significant emissions.
NAU Foundation Board
An organization charged with overseeing NAU’s endowment and ensuring funds are invested responsibly.
NAU Endowment
A pool of money worth around $200 million which supports a number of initiatives, scholarships, and endowed faculty positions across the university. The endowment is invested largely in the stock market, diversified across a wide range of economic sectors and industries - including the fossil fuel industry.
Elevating Excellence
NAU’s strategic plan to provide for students and the future. This plan includes:
- Sustainable Stewardship of Resources: NAU will effectively utilize our physical, technological, and financial resources in support of our vision and mission, with a commitment to the responsible use of environmental resources, innovative use of technology, and mission-driven financial investments and philanthropic activity.
- NAU will develop and implement a Sustainable Smart Campus Master Plan that effectively reimagines how we utilize and continually improve our physical resources to optimally deliver all aspects of our mission within the context of our New NAU Workplace initiatives, a commitment to safety, and ongoing prioritization of exceptional student learning, service, and support.
- NAU will develop and implement a Climate Action Plan that responsibly achieves carbon-neutral operations by 2030 and provides educational, research, and community engagement opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
- NAU will create an exceptional working and learning environment by providing advanced technological infrastructure and services to propel institutional advancement.
- NAU will diversify revenue streams to accelerate institutional priorities by advocating for public investments, partnering with public and private organizations, expanding our relationship with the NAU Foundation and other philanthropic organizations, and pursuing grants, contracts, and additional revenue streams.
Carbon Accounting
The process of measuring the greenhouse gas emissions related to an organization, company, municipality, or any other entity or activity.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Also called a carbon footprint, this is a comprehensive report that quantifies the emissions of greenhouse gases produced by an entity, region, or country over a specific period. NAU produces a greenhouse gas inventory every year, however the emissions related to our investments is not included in our public reporting.
Fossil Free movement
A global movement that urges institutions and organizations to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in renewable energy