Environmentalism for real world: Unity College to purchase carbon emission reductions 

UNITY (April 23): Maine State Housing Authority and Unity College forged a historic agreement, with the college agreeing to purchase carbon emission reductions derived from MSHA's energy efficiency programs.

This is the first such carbon emission reduction in Maine. The agreement was announced on Earth Day at a ceremony at the college.

MSHA will use the funds it receives to create additional affordable, environmentally sound, energy-efficient housing.

"This is a winning situation for everyone," said MSHA Director Dale McCormick. "It creates funds for more energy efficient affordable housing, it contributes to further reductions in carbon emissions, and it extends the benefits of the carbon market to low-income people."

Last year, the college signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, which requires colleges and universities to eliminate their greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this effort, Unity College will offset air travel of employees by purchasing carbon emission reductions.

Unity College associate professor and director of sustainability Mick Womersley wanted to keep dollars spent for carbon offsets in Maine to keep the multiplier effect of spending in state.

He approached MSHA and offered to purchase emission reductions derived from energy improvement programs if the housing agency had such reductions for sale before July.

Robert Constantine, Unity's vice president for college advancement, said the purchase connects Maine people with the nuts-and-bolts of environmentalism.

"Environmentalism often is seen in abstract terms, with carbon credit dollars going to benefit environmental projects in foreign countries," said Constantine. "Keeping carbon credit dollars within the state of Maine to benefit local communities is precisely the kind of 'real world' environmentalism that is a fundamental part of the Unity College approach."

MSHA is the first state housing finance agency in the country to develop a model program to quantify, verify, certify and sell carbon emission reductions created by energy efficiency improvements in low-income housing.

Unity College, which bills itself as "America's Environmental College," provides students with a liberal arts education that emphasizes the environment and natural resources.

MSHA, Maine's housing finance agency, provides funding for affordable homes and apartments for Maine's low- and moderate-income households.

The agency has applied for a Ford Foundation grant to support the development of a model program. The sale of carbon emission reductions to Unity College will be the first, and will set the stage for expansion of the program.

Both Unity College and MSHA participate in the Governor's Carbon Challenge and were recently recognized for their achievements at the Recognition and Awards Ceremony during the Governor's Carbon Challenge Networking and Expo Forum.