In April of 2007, President Joan Hinde Stewart confirmed Hamilton College’s commitment to maintaining and developing environmentally sound facilities and policies by signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. This voluntary initiative committed Hamilton to a framework of short-term actions, resulting in a written Climate Action Plan that is updated annually and guides the College’s sustainability efforts.

Hamilton’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050, with interim goals for every few years. 

• FY2015: 20 percent reduction (20,000 MTCO2e) 
• FY2025: 40 percent reduction (15,000 MTCO2e)
• FY2035: 60 percent reduction (10,000 MTCO2e) 
• FY2045: 80 percent reduction (5,000 MTCO2e) 
• FY2050: Carbon Neutral

Less than 10 years after signing the commitment and creating a Climate Action Plan, Hamilton has managed to reduce its carbon emissions by almost half. The College is ahead of schedule and has already met its 2025 goal of 15,000 MTCO₂E, which will be further reduced by ongoing projects.