CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
FY24 Progress Report At A Glance
RESEARCH • 29% increase in faculty with climate-related publications or grants. • 35 undergraduate research projects mentored through the Wilkes Scholars Program. • Launched Critical Minerals Working Group, PEAK Water Sustainability Engine, and continued support for Wildfire and Energy Futures research initiatives.
EDUCATION • 70% of departments offered sustainability (SUST) courses, up from 65% in 2022. • 4,500 participants engaged in 77 events via the Sustainability Office, in partnership with 16 departments and student groups. • $89,467 awarded through the Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF).
MITIGATION • Despite 19% growth in campus size, carbon footprint reduced by 22.4% since 2007. • Launched Campus Emissions Reduction Plan targeting high-temperature hot water systems. • Castle Solar PPA now supplies ~20% of the University’s purchased electricity.
RESILIENCE • Established Region VIII Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response. • Developed UU Health Climate Resilience Plan with community and government partners. • Replaced 139,000 sq ft of turf with water-wise landscaping.