Going neutral.

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ANYONE WITH ONE EAR TO ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS HAS HEARD the term "carbon neutral" join a growing list of buzzwords, like "green" and "sustainability," used to describe efforts to save the planet.

But what does it mean? Being carbon neutral is something of a balancing act--trying to ensure that the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the air is offset by the amount being removed from the atmosphere, either by using renewable energy onsite or through carbon offsets elsewhere.

Last December the College of the Atlantic (Maine) became the first higher ed institution to officially become carbon neutral. The school offset its carbon output over a 15-month period beginning in 2006 (nearly 2,500 tons) by investing $25,000 in a greenhouse gas reduction project operated by The Climate Trust of Oregon. The Trust devised a way to improve and manage traffic flow in Portland, Ore., effectively reducing the amount of time cars spend idling at traffic lights and thus cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

COA is also reducing its annual greenhouse gas emissions by getting all its electricity through a low-impact hydroelectric generator in Maine. The school expects to offset emissions this year by 22 percent, or about 450 tons.

Though it can claim the first seat on the carbon neutral bandwagon, COA is hardly atone in its efforts. At press time, 539 colleges and universities had signed the "net-zero" pledge organized through the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment program. Many more are expected to sign on this month as the ACUPCC holds its first leadership summit in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 5-6. To learn more, visit www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.