GOSHEN, Ind. — By invitation, Goshen College President Jim Brenneman took part in a higher education climate roundtable discussion Nov. 19 at the White House, as part of the American Campuses Act on Climate day of action. About 50 colleges and universities were represented.

On Nov. 12, Brenneman signed a pledge to continue the college’s efforts to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions and to grow sustainable practices across campus.

“I am proud that Goshen College is recognized as a leader in the field of sustainability by being invited to participate in this important conversation at the highest levels,” he said. “It is an honor for Goshen College to be among a very select group of colleges and universities to be invited by the White House to participate in the American Campuses Act on Climate roundtable today.”

The White House launched the American Campuses Act on Climate day of action for higher education leaders to demonstrate their support for strong climate action by world leaders at the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference in Paris.

Goshen has already taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2007, Brenneman was a founding signatory of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment. Between 2008 and 2013, the campus reduced its carbon footprint by an estimated 22 percent. In 2013, the college took the further step of purchasing 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.

The campus has also converted nearly 20 percent of its lawn space to native plants and prairie restoration. Goshen students and staff have developed a food composting system, planted a community garden, built a solar hot water collection system and continued to reduce energy consumption campus-wide.