American University
IN-26: Innovation C

AU took a major step towards the 2020 carbon neutrality goal by investing in a project to offset study abroad-related travel emissions. 7,000 Metric Tons of CO2 equivalents Carbon offsets were purchased in FY17 to offset our Scope 3 study abroad emissions. To specifically offset emissions from study abroad- related travel, AU invested in the Paradigm Project, which benefits communities in Africa by empowering women, providing jobs for women, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through reduced deforestation due to more efficient cook stoves. AU's investment in the carbon offsets from this project enables the Paradigm Project to offer financial assistance to families in Kenya to help pay for wood-burning cook stoves as well as help to expand the project's distribution channels. The stoves are designed to burn wood more efficiency, which reduces the amount of firewood the women in the community need to collect as well as improving indoor air quality for families. This project was chosen, in part, as it is one of AU’s premiere study abroad examples and is one of the most important sites abroad. Students studying at the Nairobi Center now have the opportunity to see AU’s commitment to sustainable development first-hand.