University of Utah Sustainability Dashboard
The Sustainability Dashboard is an interactive tool to measure sustainability performance. By better understanding the U's progress over time, members of the U community can identify concerns that propel the institution forward. The Sustainability Office reports these metrics to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). In 2023, the University of Utah received its second STARS Gold rating. Read the report.
Academics: Curriculum
Sustainability curricular efforts are managed by the Sustainability Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), which is chaired by the faculty Sustainability Education Director. SEAC designed theSustainability Course Attribute (SUST), which is applied to courses that integrate fundamental concepts of sustainability including social, environmental, and economic considerations. Additional efforts to incorporate sustainability learning outcomes across campus will ensure students are equipped with knowledge and skills to address local and global challenges.
Did you know?
In 2017, only 7.9% of U students graduated from a program with at least one sustainability learning outcome. By 2022, that number increased to 27.5%.
SUSTAINABILITY DESIGNATED COURSES
(COMBINED SUST, SUSL & SUSC)
PERCENTAGE OF DEPARTMENTS WITH AT LEAST ONE SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED COURSE
Academics: Research
Sustainability research is happening in departments across the U, and there are several centers focused on it. Find researchers using the searchable Sustainability Inventory.
ENGAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
PERCENTAGE OF RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS THAT CONDUCT SUSTAINABILITY WORK
Emissions
The U continues to reduce its emissions, even as the campus adds more students and buildings. Emissions are down overall, thanks to facility upgrades and long-term renewable contracts. The University of Utah tracks and reports scope 1 and 2 and some scope 3 emissions in compliance with the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments. For more information on emissions data over time, contact Facilities Management Sustainability & Energy division.
Did you know?
The U has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 25% overall and 45% per square foot since 2007.
Emissions in MTCO2e
Energy use
Over the past decade, the University of Utah has reduced its energy use per square foot of building space, as well as increased its on-site and off-site renewables totals. Contact the Facilities Management Sustainability & Energy division for more information.
Did you know?
More than 50% of the University of Utah's electricity comes from renewable sources.
ELECTRICITY BY SOURCE, 2022
In megawatt hours
SOURCE ENERGY USE INTENSITY (kBtu/sq.ft.)
Source Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is a complete evaluation of a building's energy performance. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, source energy is the most equitable unit of evaluation because it incorporates transmission, delivery, and production losses.
ON-SITE PV SOLAR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION
In megawatt hours
Funding
Sustainability requires multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary initiatives. Since 2009, the Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF), the University of Utah's green grant program, has awarded funding to more than 250 projects that represent a broad spectrum of topics and disciplines.
Did you know?
Since its creation, the Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF) has awarded nearly $1.7 million to projects that enhance university sustainability.
$1.7 million
Amount awarded by SCIF from 2009-2023
296
Number of projects awarded funding between 2009-2023
14
Number of U colleges that have received SCIF funding
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Transportation
Sustainable transportation options, both to and within the university, reduce vehicle-related emissions. In 2020, transportation emissions accounted for just over 25% of the university's greenhouse gas emissions. The University of Utah has adopted multiple plans, programs and policies to help balance the region’s transportation network. Learn more about active transportation and other modes of sustainable transportation.
Did you know?
Over 63% of students use more sustainable commuting options as their primary mode of transportation.
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES THAT USE THE FOLLOWING AS THEIR PRIMARY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
University COMMUTE MODE SPLIT
Source: 2021 Commuter Survey
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WASTE & RECYCLING
Recycling and waste are managed by the U's Facilities Management department. Data for main campus is reported to the recycling manager. Recycling is important, but the U's recycling team stresses that reduction is far more valuable.
Did you know?
In 2022, the U diverted 794 tons of waste from the the landfill through recycling.
TOTAL WASTE GENERATED (AND DIVERTED)
In tons
Focus on reusables
#UBYO (U Bring Your Own) encourages the university community to focus on six reusable items: water bottle, mug, utensils, to-go container, bag, and napkin. Learn more.
Interested in more information?
Water
The University of Utah is taking significant strides to reduce its water use. The university is installing more efficient toilets and fixtures as part of major renovations and new construction, and Facilities Management has completed significant work to identify and repair leaks. Water-wise landscaping and a major overhaul of the irrigation controls have also led to reductions. The community can help the U's water reduction efforts by reporting broken sprinklers to Facilities Management at 801-581-7221.
Did you know?
From 2020 to 2022, the U reduced its outdoor water use by 21%.
WATER USE PER WEIGHTED CAMPUS USER
"Weighted campus user" takes into account the number of students and employees, as well as campus residents
The U has achieved a 38% reduction in potable water use per weighted campus user since 2010.