The University of Utah continues to advance environmental, economic, and social progress for healthy and safe communities. The Sustainability Office has organized several groups from across campus to collaborate on updating the University’s plan for reaching carbon neutrality goal by 2050, fostering stewardship, and creating opportunities for prosperity.
Climate Action Planning
History
In 2008, the University signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment and set a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To accomplish the neutrality goal, the U created the 2010 Climate Action Plan.
In 2019, President Watkins signed the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments, which renewed the university’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Also in 2019, the University joined the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) – a group of 20 leading North American research universities that have committed to mobilizing their resources and expertise to accelerate local and regional climate action in partnership with businesses, cities and states, foundations, and other organizations.
Climate Action Plan
One of the requirements of the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments is to create a Climate Action Plan. In July of 2019, President Watkins formed a Climate Commitment Task Force to conduct the necessary steps toward development of an updated climate action plan. Track progress on the Climate Commitment page.