Harvard University has set a short-term goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% through the year 2016.

The university aims to bring down 2006’s 282,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCDE) to at least 200,000 MTCDEs in 8 years.

In a released statement, university president Drew Faust expressed Harvard’s interest in taking up the environmental sustainability challenge. She further added that reducing greenhouse gas emissions will help the university fulfill the promise of the challenge.

Improvement programs will focus on encouraging energy efficient practices and reducing greenhouse gas. The research and teaching departments have likewise been encouraged to come up with educational and information campaigns concentrating on creating a sustainable environment through science, technology, and policy analysis.

Environmental League of Massachusetts president George Bachrach expressed his positive reactions regarding Harvard’s green move by hailing the University for setting a good example that other institutions should follow. He also revealed that several of the state’s major corporations are also leaders in the practice of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, it is also worthwhile to note that other campuses and universities in the state have started their own environmentally-geared programs. In fact, Yale University, like Harvard, has been reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, too.

Following the examples set by Harvard, Yale and these major corporations will bring us closer to the realization of a sustainable environment for our future generations.

At CEMEX, air quality is a priority with the cement company’s fusion of environment friendly programs and pro-safety policies

Smart Brief published an article about the Third Annual CEMEX U.S. Building Awards, which also highlights CEMEX air quality initiatives.

CEMEX California Business Information is available on Manta.