Complete Environmental and Energy Stewardship Initiative (PDF)
On September 16, 2010 President Michael K. Young will officially kickoff the University's Carbon Neutrality Action Plan. The Initiative builds on the University of Utah's 2008 Campus Master Plan and extends the University's leadership by integrating the principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability into campus planning, design and operations, administration, curriculum, and community engagement. This plan represents the desire, ability, and commitment of students, staff, faculty, and administration to dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieve carbon neutrality as rapidly as practicable.
Background
On Earth Day 2008, President Young signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and joined the ranks of more than 650 leading academic institutions committed to developing an institutional plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expand the University's research and educational efforts related to sustainability.
The Office of Sustainability sought students, faculty, staff and alumni from departments across campus to collaborate on this initiative. Participants were divided into six main task teams, with the President's Sustainability Advisory Board serving as the steering committee. The main topic areas considered were:
- Education and Research
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Renewable Energy and Offsets
- Transportation
- Water, Waste, Purchasing,Grounds and Food
- Communication
Complete Environmental and Energy Stewardship Initiative (PDF)
