Second Nature Awards Seven Higher Education Institutions Pro Bono Consulting Services Valued at $25,000 Each
Consulting services provided by Brailsford & Dunlavey, Coho, and Ever-Green Energy

Cambridge, Massachusetts (March 25, 2025) – Second Nature, a leading organization advancing climate action in higher education, is pleased to announce the seven institutions selected to receive pro bono consulting services as part of the fifth round of its Pro Bono Consulting opportunity. This initiative, offered exclusively to Climate Leadership Network member institutions, provides technical support to accelerate campus climate action efforts. The consulting firms generously providing their expertise for this initiative include Brailsford & Dunlavey, Coho, and Ever-Green Energy.

The selected institutions and their proposed projects demonstrate a strong commitment to climate action, sustainability, and resilience on campus and beyond. Each institution will receive specialized consulting from our expert partners to support their initiatives in decarbonization, climate resilience planning, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and more.

“At Second Nature, we are dedicated to equipping our member institutions with the resources and expertise needed to drive meaningful climate action,” said Steve Muzzy, Climate Programs Senior Manager at Second Nature. “This year’s Pro Bono Consulting awardees exemplify the leadership and innovation that higher education brings to the forefront of climate solutions. We are thankful to Brailsford & Dunlavey, Coho, and Ever-Green Energy for their continued partnership in this initiative, which would not be possible without their generous support.”

2025 Pro Bono Consulting Awardees and Project Summaries:

• Furman University (Greenville, SC) – Furman’s new strategic plan, FUture Focused, recommits the university to sustainability leadership on campus and in the community. Through this initiative, Coho will provide a clear and actionable roadmap for transitioning to renewable power within the next five years, allowing Furman to meet its goal of a 60% net carbon footprint reduction by 2030. “When tackling complex sustainability challenges, we recognize the value and expanded capacity that external experts can provide. Sourcing renewable electricity is a critical part of Furman’s carbon neutrality journey, and we are grateful to have Coho’s expertise to guide us.” – Elizabeth Davis, President, Furman University
  

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) – The university will collaborate with Coho to explore effective and financially feasible pathways to reach its sustainability goals by studying clean energy technologies, analyzing their potential impact on emissions, and identifying the best combination of technologies for future use. “We are excited to partner with Coho to reach our ambitious climate goals. This collaboration aligns with our comprehensive strategies in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) to develop and implement a clear pathway for the university to become carbon neutral and build resilience to climate change.” – Lowa Mwilambwe, Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations

• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Stevens Point, WI) – Partnering with Coho climate advisors, UW-Stevens Point will conduct an energy study to define decarbonization options for its updated Carbon Neutrality Plan. The study will inform and support the drafting of the university’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, set to begin in Summer 2025 and finalize in Spring 2026.“This award fits into UW-Stevens Point’s decades-long commitment to innovative sustainable practices,” said Pratima Gandhi, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration. “We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure a more sustainable future for our communities.”

• University of Wisconsin–Madison (Madison, WI) – Brailsford & Dunlavey will support the university in identifying pathways to reduce emissions associated with purchased goods and services (Scope 3 emissions), which are key to UW–Madison’s target of Net Zero emissions by 2048. The project will ideally offer insights applicable across the broader higher education sector.“Collaborating with Brailsford & Dunlavey and Second Nature presents a unique opportunity to develop strategies to meet one of the more complex components of our ambitious environmental sustainability goals.” – Missy Nergard, Director of Institutional Sustainability

• Penn State University (University Park, PA) – Through its partnership with Ever-Green Energy, Penn State Harrisburg will revisit and enhance its 2020 Biomass Study. This effort will build on the university’s long-standing progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate its sustainability goals.“This initiative strengthens our commitment to integrating sustainability into campus operations, research, and student experiences while fostering impactful partnerships.” – David Callejo Pérez, Chancellor and Dean, Penn State Harrisburg

• NC State University (Raleigh, NC) – With technical assistance from Brailsford & Dunlavey, NC State will refine its strategies, evaluate new approaches, and develop a data-driven roadmap for reducing emissions on its growing campus.“NC State is grateful for the support of Second Nature’s Pro Bono Consulting and looks forward to partnering with Brailsford & Dunlavey to explore innovative and sustainable solutions that will enhance campus efficiency and stewardship while also providing impactful opportunities for applied learning.” – Carla Davis, Director of the University Sustainability Office

• Macalester College (St Paul, MN) – Brailsford & Dunlavey will assist the college in drafting a climate action plan that outlines a technically and financially feasible roadmap toward an equitable, carbon-free future aligned with Macalester’s education and research mission.“We look forward to outlining an ambitious and innovative new plan that engages campus stakeholders, reflects Macalester College’s core values, and outlines a path towards decarbonization and climate resilience.” – Megan Butler, Sustainability Director

About the Consulting Firms:

• Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) – is a national development advisory and program management firm dedicated to serving public agencies, professional sports organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit clients. With comprehensive in-house planning and implementation capabilities, B&D helps clients advance sustainability initiatives through data-driven strategies and innovative solutions.“Higher education plays a vital role in mitigating the climate crisis through innovative operational advancements combined with expansive, solutions-based academic programming. As a business community partner, we look forward to advancing initiatives to address the planet’s most pressing issue.” – Dave Karlsgodt, Head of B&D’s Energy and Sustainability Practice Group

• Coho, an ERM Group Company – is a trusted energy, climate, and water advisor that partners with impact-oriented clients to develop actionable strategies, implement tailored solutions, and optimize performance over time. Coho specializes in renewable energy procurement, decarbonization planning, and sustainability strategy development.“Coho is proud to support the decarbonization of higher education in the United States. Second Nature and its member campuses are wonderful partners, and we look forward to a new round of high-impact projects,” said Gary Farha, President of Coho, an ERM Group Company.

• Ever-Green Energy – works across sectors to advance and operate energy systems with a commitment to financial and environmental stewardship. As an innovative utility system operator, Ever-Green Energy offers expertise in energy infrastructure planning and optimization.“Ever-Green Energy continues to see higher education institutions leading the way in embracing innovative, efficient, and sustainable heating and cooling system technologies. We are proud to provide tangible steps toward their goals of increasing capacity and reducing emissions.” – Luke Gaalswyk, President and CEO of Ever-Green Energy

The Pro Bono Consulting initiative has provided tailored climate action guidance to numerous higher education institutions, supporting them in achieving their carbon neutrality and climate resilience goals. Through this initiative, Second Nature continues to equip colleges and universities with the resources they need to lead in climate action and create positive environmental impacts within their communities.

For more information about Second Nature’s Pro Bono Consulting opportunity, please visit the Second Nature website.

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About Second Nature:
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. By mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, Second Nature scales campus climate initiatives and creates innovative climate solutions. Learn more at secondnature.org.

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Contact: Bari Samad, Director of Communications & Marketing, Second Nature; bsamad@secondnature.org

(March 14, 2024) – Today, Second Nature- an NGO focused on accelerating climate action in and through higher education- announced six (6) higher education institutions as the recipients of pro bono consulting services to support their climate action projects.

Through this initiative, technical and advisory support worth up to $25,000 will be provided to campuses at no cost in two areas: (1) Climate Action Planning and (2) Shifting to Renewable Power and Decarbonizing Campuses. Institutions that are Second Nature Climate Leadership Network signatories, affiliates, and University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) members were eligible to apply.

The pro bono consulting opportunities began in the Fall of 2020 as a new Solutions Center initiative. Provided and sponsored by Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) and Coho, two long-standing Second Nature partners, 29 colleges and universities have received the award.

The 2024 Pro Bono Round IV recipient colleges and universities are:

Brailsford & Dunlavey:

• Loyola University Maryland (Maryland)
• Tulane University (Louisiana)
• University at Buffalo (New York)

Coho:

• Coastal Carolina University (South Carolina)
• Creighton University (Nebraska)
• University of Alabama at Birmingham (Alabama)

“At Second Nature, we are committed to supporting the innovative climate action projects of our member institutions and the impact they have both on campus and in adjacent communities,” notes Tim Carter, President of Second Nature. “The 2024 Pro Bono awardees reflect a diverse range of institutions, and their work is a testament to higher education’s leadership in creating impactful and equitable climate solutions. We thank Brailsford & Dunlavey and Coho for their generous support of this critical service for the past four years. This initiative would not be possible without them.”

The consulting services provided by Brailsford & Dunlavey and Coho are:

• Climate Action Planning: Brailsford & Dunlavey provides this service, which supports the drafting of a climate action plan that outlines a technically and financially feasible roadmap towards an equitable, carbon-free future aligned with the institution’s education and research mission.
• ScopeDeepDiveor CAPUpdate: Recipient campuses will have an opportunity for a deep technical analysis of Scope 1 & 2 or 3 emissions, or the option to revise an existing climate action plan, in addition to an executive presentation to their campus leadership. This is a great option for campuses that already have a plan but would like to evolve specific aspects of this work. Brailsford & Dunlavey provides this service.
• Shifting to Renewable Power: Coho provides this service, which supports a transition to renewable power. It includes an assessment of the institution’s energy situation, identification of renewable energy solutions, and recommendations for implementing one or more of the advised energy solutions.
• Decarbonizing Campus: Recipient campuses receive advisory services to support decarbonizing Scope 1 and 3 emissions sources, e.g., electrifying buildings or vehicles, carbon offsets for upstream emissions such as travel, etc. Coho provides this service.

“Brailsford & Dunlavey is committed to accelerating climate action strategic planning through our partnership with Second Nature, and now in its fourth year, we continue to be impressed by the creative breadth and depth of proposals received,” said Dave Karlsgodt, the leader of B&D’s Energy and Sustainability practice group. “Higher education plays a vital role in mitigating the climate crisis through innovative operational advancements combined with expansive, solutions-based academic programming. As a business community partner, we look forward to advancing initiatives to address the planet’s most pressing issue.”

“Coho is proud to support the decarbonization of higher education in the United States. Second Nature and its member campuses are wonderful partners, and we look forward to a new round of high-impact projects,” said Gary Farha, founder and CEO of Coho, an ERM Group Company.

For Round IV, Second Nature received applications from twenty higher education institutions. The six awarded colleges and universities come from diverse regions and environments across the United States.

Below is more information about the Round IV Pro Bono awardee projects:

Loyola University Maryland

Partnering with Brailsford & Dunlavey will allow us to develop a comprehensive, data-backed roadmap built upon our existing climate action plan. This will include a pathway connecting our current progress to our 2031 and 2045 goals and an informed strategy that includes the associated support and funds necessary to implement these initiatives. We are grateful for this opportunity made possible through Brailsford & Dunlavey and Second Nature.

“Our Loyola University Maryland community is committed to caring for our common home. We are delighted and grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Brailsford & Dunlavey in helping us move this work forward. We know that collaboration and planning will be key to our success as an institution, as we strive to take positive steps forward to ensure a more sustainable future not just for our campus, but also for the world.”- Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., President, Loyola University Maryland

Tulane University

The Second Nature Pro Bono award expedites university efforts to recalibrate the 2014 Climate Action Plan to maintain progress toward our climate commitment. In consultation with Brailsford & Dunlavey, this rapid and focused effort will update the university operations profile, incorporate external factors contributing to our emissions projections, revisit building design standards, and evaluate opportunities to accelerate our emissions reduction timeline. Work undertaken this spring will inform campus improvement projects in the pipeline with updated strategies to meet our 2050 neutrality goal.

“On behalf of Tulane University, we are honored to be selected as a recipient of Second Nature’s Pro Bono Consulting Award. These consulting services allow us to re-evaluate and improve various aspects of our Climate Action Plan in an effort to be more efficient and effective in achieving our goals. We are grateful for the opportunity to support this plan and the university’s efforts to build and maintain sustainable communities at Tulane and within the greater New Orleans area.”- Randolph A. Philipson, Vice President for Facilities, Campus Development, and Real Estate, Tulane University

University at Buffalo

This initiative is designed to leverage the University at Buffalo’s 10 in 10 Climate Action Plan (a roadmap of innovative, engaging and digestible steps UB is taking to increasing climate action) and specifically focuses on assisting UB to sharpen its strategy and increase the intensity of its pace. The work will develop detailed and specific goals pegged to a timeline and provide clear budgetary implications across all emission streams at the University. In addition, Brailsford & Dunlavey will partner with UB to create a detailed decarbonization and monitoring system that dials in the university’s climate neutrality efforts with SMART goals that will greatly assist in tracking KPI’s, increasing institutional accountability, and driving greater carbon emission savings all while supporting the commitment to climate justice.

“We are excited to work with Second Nature and Brailsford & Dunlavey while taking the next step in advancing our climate action and decarbonization work. While we have made strong progress in this space, we have more work to do. By leveraging outside expertise we are confident it will complement and propel our existing efforts into a detailed and impactful roadmap that can not only be effectively communicated to stakeholders but provide the next critical step in advancing our climate neutrality work. This effort will truly dial in our climate action strategy and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner.”- Laura Hubbard, Vice President for Finance and Administration at the University at Buffalo

Shifting to Renewable Power & Decarbonizing Campuses

Coastal Carolina University

University-owned vehicles provide important services that contribute to the daily functioning of the University: shuttles transport CCU students, faculty, and staff around campus and to nearby locations; vehicles are used by departments across campus to carry out daily tasks related to operations; and motor pool vehicles are available to faculty and staff to use locally to carry out University-related activities. Each year, the University’s fleet of vehicles consumes tens of thousands of gallons of gasoline and diesel, representing ~2% of CCU’s total emissions. Growing the percentage of electric vehicles in CCU’s fleet would reduce the emissions associated with fleet fuels, and reduce costs associated with purchasing fuel. This Pro Bono Consulting opportunity made available through Second Nature will provide valuable insight and best practices as to how CCU can cost-effectively transition to low emission vehicles and expand EV charging infrastructure on its campus. As an institution of higher education located in 4one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., CCU has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and serve as a model for the region around sustainable transportation.

“We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to work with Coho. This partnership comes at an opportune time as there is a great deal of momentum on CCU’s campus around sustainability and climate resilience. We have already taken positive steps towards electrifying our fleet and expanding EV charging infrastructure, and firmly believe that developing a high-level fleet electrification strategy in partnership with Coho will be transformative to our ability to systematically reduce emissions.”- Steve Harrison, Vice President for Auxiliary Enterprises & Chief Sustainability Officer, Coastal Carolina University

Creighton University

Creighton University launched the Sustainable Creighton Initiative in 2022, updating our 2013 Climate Action Plan and accelerating the decarbonization of campus. We have achieved a 40% reduction in emissions, to date, through prudent decisions surrounding campus planning, building design, recommissioning, and deferred maintenance. We know efficiency improvements alone are insufficient to achieving our desired goals. The Pro Bono work with Coho will provide us with industry expertise necessary to navigate the current– and changingrenewable energy landscape as we thoughtfully consider our pathways to faithfully meet our campus initiatives to reach 50% emissions reductions by 2028 and full carbon neutrality well before 2050.

“As a Jesuit, Catholic institution with locations in Omaha, Phoenix, and the Dominican Republic, Creighton University is committed to urgent and impactful actions that benefit our common home. As caretakers of the planet and the well-being of the students we serve, we must be authentically engaged in positive, forward-looking initiatives that give students the opportunity to pursue a hope-filled future. In so doing, we recognize that addressing our ongoing climate crisis, one that Pope Francis has noted is at a critical breaking point, must be informed by the virtues of prudence, integrity, and reason. The resources provided by Second Nature and Coho will accelerate our pursuit of sustainable energy across our campuses, helping us to reduce carbon emissions and move closer to achieving carbon neutrality. We are grateful to be the recipient of this valuable collaboration and eager to be partners in protecting our environment.”- President, Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, Creighton University 

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is guided by a Sustainability Strategic Plan that prioritizes resiliency and sustainability while promoting the three tenets of UAB: teaching, patient care, and research. UAB is investigating the feasibility of electrifying the campus bus system and fleet vehicle program. Coho will provide UAB with assistance in formulating a plan that will reduce Scope 1 emissions from the institution’s transportation sector. Our goal is to use Coho’s framework to develop an affordable and actionable plan for our campus.

“The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Sustainability program is excited to be working with Coho through Second Nature’s Solutions Center Pro Bono Initiative. Coho has an excellent track record of catalyzing bold climate action and facilitating feasible solutions for complex problems. UAB has set transformative goals for decarbonizing our campus through our Sustainability Strategic Plan, and we look forward to benefiting from Coho’s extensive knowledge and experience in achieving emissions reductions.”- Bambi Ingram, Sustainability Manager, University of Alabama at Birmingham

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About Second Nature

Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. This is accomplished by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. Second Nature aims to align, amplify, and bridge the sector’s efforts with other global leaders to advance urgent climate priorities. secondnature.org.

About Brailsford & Dunlavey

Brailsford & Dunlavey (bdconnect.com) is a Washington, DC‐headquartered national advisory and program management firm with comprehensive in‐house planning and implementation capabilities, dedicated to serving public agencies, professional sports organizations, educational institutions, and non‐profit clients. B&D has more than 150 people in seven offices throughout the U.S. For more information, please contact Doug Kotlove at 202-266-3410 or dkotlove@bdconnect.com.

About Coho, an ERM Group Company

Coho is a trusted energy and water advisor that partners with impact-oriented clients to develop actionable strategies, implement tailored solutions, and optimize performance over time. Coho advises clients on strategy, procurement, and organizational implementation of renewable energy and resilient water solutions. https://www.cohoclimate.com

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Richmond will use the services of planning and advisory firm Brailsford & Dunlavey to help UR integrate climate action and resilience planning into high-level campus planning efforts. The services are valued at up to $20,000.

The post Second Nature Awards University of Richmond Funds to Aid Campus Climate Projects appeared first on Second Nature.

LCC is one of nine higher education institutions selected to receive pro bono consulting services for campus climate projects in Round III of the initiative.

Second Nature’s Pro Bono Consulting opportunity, first announced in Fall 2020, offers technical and advisory support worth up to $20,000 in three areas: (1) Climate Action Planning, (2) Shifting to Renewable Power, and (3) Water Resiliency Strategy.

The post LCC awarded $20,000 grant for Climate Action Planning from Second Nature appeared first on Second Nature.