University of Virginia

The University of Virginia, founded in 1819, considers sustainability an institutional and individual value and is committed to actions that promote the health of the institution, community, and environment. The University Grounds are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offer state-of-the-art research facilities and a hospital with level 1 trauma center. UVA takes pride in sustaining a community comprising 39,000 students, faculty, and staff and over 550 buildings. The Grounds are a living laboratory, exemplifying innovative technologies and ideas that will protect and advance UVA's community, as well as sustain and improve the world.

In December 2019, the University Board of Visitors approved a resolution for UVA to be carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel-free by 2050. These goals build upon the successes of the Board of Visitors’ 2011 and 2013 sustainability resolutions, and the University’s 2019 Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.

UVA programs targeting energy consumption in existing buildings include the Smart Labs program and a robust internal energy efficiency retrofit program using a revolving loan fund model. UVA is pursuing opportunities in chilled water and hot water optimization and heating electrification. Strategies focusing on targeted carbon reduction include low-energy buildings, building electrification, and on-site renewable energy.

The University of Virginia received a 2023 Better Practice Award for implementing a Sustainable Labs Program that will decrease CO2e by more than 20%, energy use by almost 20%, and annual costs by around $5 million.

PORTFOLIO-WIDE LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS

50% emissions reduction in 10 years

20% reduction in energy intensity

Webinar

Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future: Strategies for Historic Building Retrofits

Presentation

Blowing Off Steam: Decarbonizing District Steam Systems

Presentation

Best of the Betters: 2024 Better Practice Winners

Implementation Model

Sustainable Labs Program at University of Virginia

Webinar

It Just Gets Better and Better: Highlights from Better Project and Better Practice Award Winners

Presentation

Every Breath You Take: Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency

Presentation

Every Breath You Take: Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency

Presentation

PV and You: Making the Right Renewable Energy Decision

Presentation

PV and You: Making the Right Renewable Energy Decision

Webinar

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaborating to Implement Emissions Reduction Goals

Webinar

The Solar Project Development Process: Insights and Best Practices from Local Governments and Higher Education Institutions

Presentation

Building Your Own Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program

Presentation

Building Your Own Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program

Showcase Project

UVA's Clark Hall

Video

Financing Energy Projects in Higher Education

Showcase Project

University of Virginia: Campbell Hall

Implementation Model

UVA's Building Efficiency Program

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

DOE Program Participation