University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is one of the world’s leading research institutions, a member Ivy Plus Sustainability Consortium, and a 2021 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. The main campus, a 217-acre botanic garden located on Chicago’s south side, includes more than 135 buildings that host and support multiple academic programs, research, arts, and culture.

The University’s Sustainability Plan has a strong focus on climate change and energy. The University released the 2018–2025 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan to reduce scopes 1 and 2 carbon intensity by 20% by 2025 and implemented 25 projects that contributed to a 13% reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon intensity by 2020. In response to the urgent threat posed by global climate change, the University recently established a new goal to achieve a 50% reduction in scopes 1 and 2 absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The University’s new target for the main campus expands both the magnitude and scope of the original goal. A new implementation plan in development will guide decisions to reduce greenhouse emissions from University buildings and fleet vehicles while procuring renewable electricity from on- and off-site sources

PORTFOLIO-WIDE LEADERSHIP GOALS

50% GHG reduction in 10 years

20% reduction in energy intensity

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

50% Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 Emissions 50% reduction in GHG emissions, based on a commitment of 9.12 million square feet.

Commitment

9.12 Million Square Feet

Progress

8% Reduction

Performance Data

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment

DOE Program Participation