The University of Chicago is targeting deeper cuts in its greenhouse gas emissions, setting a goal of a 50% reduction across University operations by 2030.  To meet the new greenhouse gas emissions goal, the University will focus on procurement of electricity from renewable sources such as wind or solar, continued implementation of energy conservation projects, improvement in the University’s landfill diversion rate, and reductions in fleet vehicles’ gasoline usage.  The 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target is a continuation of the University’s efforts in the area, which trace back to 2009 when Facilities Services first established a goal to reduce carbon intensity by 20%.

From 2010 to 2017, UChicago implemented over 200 energy conservation measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  Projects included LEED certification of facilities during new construction or major renovations, retro-commissioning of buildings, central utility plant optimization projects, lighting retrofits, and controls upgrades.

While the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan outlines a way to achieve significant energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, the University is constantly evaluating options to achieve more ambitious energy and emissions goals. Due to the increasingly urgent threat of global climate change, the University’s current goal to achieve a 50% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions across all University operations by 2030 expands both the magnitude and scope of the original goal.  Changing the goal from carbon intensity to absolute emissions will make the University a better steward of the environment and will lead to a greater impact on climate change.  The 2025 goal focused on energy efficiency in building and plant operations by implementing energy conservation measures and was based on emissions per square foot of building space.  The University’s new 50% by 2030 target is based on absolute greenhouse gas emissions across all University operations; it continues the focus on building and plant energy conservation measures while adding the procurement of renewable energy, increasing the University’s landfill diversion rate, and reducing fleet vehicles’ gasoline use.