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Climate Commitment

“As a leading public research and flagship university, we have the responsibility to our campus community, the state we serve and society at large to commit to actions that will lead to a more sustainable future."
—University of Utah President Taylor Randall, who renewed the Commitment in 2021

As climate change continues to cause and intensify both local and global challenges, the University of Utah is choosing to act boldly and leverage its collective impact as an institution. As a signatory to the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments, the U has pledged to provide knowledge, research, practice and informed graduates to create a positive and sustainable future. This includes working toward zero emissions and building resilience to climate impacts.

Climate Action Plan

The 2023 plan outlines four core areas for climate action:

  1. RESEARCH
  2. EDUCATION
  3. MITIGATION
  4. RESILIENCE

View the 2023 Climate Action Plan here.

RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT

In 2020, the University of Utah launched its first Climate Resilience Assessment, which examines the institution’s ability to respond to climate threats in the following categories: Social Equity & Governance, Health & Wellness,
Ecosystem Services, Infrastructure, and Economics.

This assessment, which was completed on June 29, 2021, was an essential first step in preparing and planning for future climate impacts.

• Assessment
• Resilience Matrix

Climate Commitment Task Force Members

CO-CHAIRS

Brenda Bowen  |  Director, Global Change & Sustainability Center
Kerry Case  | Chief sustainability officer

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Auburn Sage Acord | Director of sustainability, ASUU
Jennifer Reed | AVP-Administrative Service
Lissa Larson | Sustainability and energy director
Robin Burr| Chief facilities officer
Smitha Warrier | Assistant professor, Anesthesiology; medical director of environmental & social sustainability

TASK FORCE MEMBERS

Alexis Lee| Director of environmental & social sustainability, University of Utah Health
Amy Fulton  | Director, New Leadership Academy
Andrew King  | Associate director, Planning, Design & Construction
Bill Anderegg  | Director, Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy
Anneke Enquist  | Associate director of sustainability, ASUU
Cathy Anderson  | Chief financial officer
Court Strong  | Associate professor, Atmospheric Sciences
Danielle Endres  | Professor, Communication
Gina Hawley | Interim chief operating officer, Hospital Administration
Ginger Cannon  | Active transportation manager, Sustainability Office
Jenn Watt | Director, Sustainability Education 
Jerry North| Senior director, Facilities & Engineering
John Atkins  | Director, Auxiliary Services
Lisa Potter | Communications specialist, Marketing & Communications
Lori McDonald  | Vice president, Student Affairs
Masood Parvania  | Associate professor,  Electrical & Computer Engineering
Sam Jensen Augustine | Director, Infrastructure Project Management
Steve Panish  | Assistant vice president, Capital Program & Space
Taylor Vandertoolen  | 2022-2023 student body president, ASUU

COMMUNITY ADVISORS

Corbin Anderson | Salt Lake County Sustainability
Debbie Lyons | Salt Lake City Sustainability
Sophia Nicholas | Salt Lake City Sustainability

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Michael Good  | Senior vice president, Health Sciences
Mitzi Montoya  | Senior vice president, Academic Affairs

STAFF

Julie Johnsson  | Administrative assistant, Global Change & Sustainability Center