“We understand the important role higher education plays in building a sustainable society. As a public research university, we are committed to generating new knowledge in areas relating to sustainability, and to implementing best practices in university operations.”
University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins
In April 2019, President Ruth V. Watkins signed the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments, which renewed the university’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and its dedication to developing knowledge, research, and best practices for climate mitigation and adaptation. Resolutions approved by both the Student Senate and Academic Senate supported the commitment.
The Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments are a multi-year effort that include specific requirements and annual campus greenhouse gas inventories.
CAMPUS TASK FORCECreate and report internal task force. Completed: June 29, 2019 |
COMMUNITY STRUCTURECreate and report on a joint campus-community structure; submit campus greenhouse gas inventory. Completed: May 1, 2020 |
RESILIENCE ASSESSMENTComplete a Campus-Community Resilience Assessment; submit campus greenhouse gas inventory. Completed: June 29, 2021 |
CLIMATE ACTION PLANDevelop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to replace 2010 Climate Action Plan; submit campus greenhouse gas inventory. Due: May 1, 2022 |
EVALUATIONComplete an annual evaluation of progress, including greenhouse gas inventory. Annually |
Climate Commitment Task Force Members
CO-CHAIRS
Brenda Bowen | Director, Global Change & Sustainability Center
Kerry Case | Chief sustainability officer
TASK FORCE MEMBERS
Morgan Aguilar | Communications specialist, University Marketing & Communications
Cathy Anderson | Chief financial officer
Sam Jensen Augustine | Building science & sustainability manager, Planning, Design & Construction
Jonathon Bates | Executive director, Department of Real Estate Administration
Chris Benson* | Sustainability and energy director, Facilities Management
Robin Burr* | Chief facilities officer
Ginger Cannon | Active transportation manager, Sustainability Office
Danielle Endres | Professor, Communication
Alex Farley* | Director of Sustainability Board, ASUU
Rebecca Hardenbrook | Associate director of Sustainability Board, ASUU
Andrew King | Associate director, Planning, Design & Construction
Ephraim Kum | 2020-2021 student body president, ASUU
Dan Lundergan* | Chief operating officer, Hospital Administration
Lori McDonald | Vice president for Student Affairs
Steve Panish | Assistant vice president for Capital Programs & Space, Health Sciences
Masood Parvania | Associate professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Court Strong | Associate professor, Atmospheric Sciences
Smitha Warrier | Assistant professor (clinical), Anesthesiology
Gordon Wilson* | Associate vice president for Administrative Services
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Michael Good | Senior vice president for Health Sciences
Dan Reed | Senior vice president for Academic Affairs
STAFF
Julie Johnsson | Administrative assistant, Global Change & Sustainability Center
* Steering committee member