The University of Utah and the highest levels of administration have committed our campus to achieving carbon neutrality and to integrating sustainable practices that foster new, clean energy, local food, better transit, and responsible living through innovations that are prosperous for our campus and community

Our Commitments

Climate Commitment

In 2008, the University of Utah first joined the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations. In 2019, President Watkins signed an expanded set of Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments renewing the university’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and challenging the institution to also respond to climate change through research, education, and increased resilience. Visit the Climate Commitment page for the latest Climate Action Plan and learn how to get involved.

UC3

In 2019, the university joined the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3), a select group of leading North American research universities (including University of California, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Michigan and others) 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.

Healthier Campus Initiative

In 2019, President Ruth V. Watkins signed on to the Healthier Campus Initiative, adopting guidelines to promote better health on campus through nutrition, physical activity and programming over the next three years. The Initiative is sponsored by the Partnership for a Healthier America. Representatives from the Sustainability Office participate on the coordinating committee for the program focused primarily on active transportation, sustainable gardens and nutrition.

Billion Dollar Green Challenge

The university has committed to the Billion Dollar Green Challenge in 2016. This challenge is an effort by universities and institutions of higher learning to collectively invest one billion dollars into sustainability projects. The University of Utah is fulfilling this commitment through the Revolving Loan Fund.