Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the University of Hawaii at Manoa's (UHM's) initiatives in achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions on campus and at the state level. Design/methodology/approach: UHM has taken a "lead by example" approach to climate change mitigation in terms of working to meet the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, becoming a founding member of The Climate Registry, and providing university leadership in crafting the policy to meet Hawaii's Climate Change Solutions Act of 2007. Findings: Universities are uniquely poised to play a role in not only climate change research, education, and community outreach, but also in the regional and national policy-making arena. In the absence of federal legislation, states are paving the way to create binding US GHG reduction commitments--making crafting innovative and appropriate policy all the more important and meaningful at the state and regional levels. Practical implications: The paper discusses the multi-prong approach UHM is taking in addressing the threats of climate change: from on-campus GHG measurements and reductions to helping guide overarching state policy. Originality/value: Islands are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. UHM has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, from forming strategic partnerships with the electric utility, to developing campus and state GHG reduction strategies, to helping mobilize planning for impacts like sea-level rise. This paper presents the efforts of UHM, including faculty, student and administration-led projects, specifically illustrating the role of Universities in meeting GHG reduction commitments through a "lead by example" approach at both the university and state levels. (Contains 4 figures and 3 notes.)