Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan Accomplishments 2018 – Present

The University, with support from a grant by the Crown family, developed a formal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan for the period of FY2018 – FY2025 to accomplish the 20% reduction goal.  In order to achieve the 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, the plan identified five strategies.

1. Building Preventative Maintenance and Commissioning (PM + Cx): Investigate the top energy-consuming buildings on campus for operational improvement and energy conservation opportunities. Focus on the top 38 University buildings that are responsible for approximately 80 percent of the campus energy consumption.
2. Central Plant Efficiency Upgrades: Implement energy efficiency upgrades at the campus steam and chilled water plants.
3. Building-Level Capital Energy Efficiency Projects: Implement capital projects that are identified through the PM + Cx process.
4. Lighting Upgrades: Indoor and outdoor lighting upgrades around campus.
5. Off-Site Renewable Energy: Purchase renewable energy credits for off-site energy production.

A New Goal 2022 – 2030

In April 2022, the University of Chicago announced a new goal to reduce its scope 1 and 2 absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by fiscal year 2030 from its target base year (average of emissions FY2012-2014). The GHG Emissions Reduction Plan FY2022 to FY2030 recommended four initiatives:

1. Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs): Retro-commissioning, lab optimization, LED lighting and HVAC (49% GHG Reduction Contribution)
2. Distributed Energy Resources (DER): Onsite renewable and electrification opportunities like solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and heat recovery chillers (4% GHG Reduction Contribution)
3. Fleet Electrification: 60% conversion of University vehicles to electric or hybrid vehicles (< 1% GHG Reduction Contribution)
4. Off-site Renewable Energy: Virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) to purchase electricity from off-site wind or solar power (47% GHG Reduction Contribution)

Recent Recognition and Awards

2022 Peoples Gas® Therm-Savings Triumph Award

2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence – Energy Management