"Maintaining an optimum learning environment, while maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability."
Office of Sustainability Goals
- Incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability in construction, renovation, green space projects, operations, and maintenance.
- Minimize use of non-renewable energy sources and greenhouse gas emissions through green power.
- Incorporate alternative means of transportation.
- Reduce landfill waste.
- Communicate and provide support for grassroots and academic education.
UTC's Commitment to Sustainability
In 2009, Chancellor Roger Brown signed onto the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment. The voluntary agreement commits the university to reduce its carbon emissions to zero with three key initiatives:
- Create institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan.
- Complete a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gases.
- Develop an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral.
To realize these goals, the UTC Office of Sustainability was created in October 2011. A campus sustainability coordinator was hired on to work with Facilities Planning & Management to direct sustainablity efforts at the institutional level.
UTC's first campus Greenhouse Gas Inventory was conducted in 2009. This Inventory was used to quantify Greenhouse Gas emissions created by the university directly and indirectly.
In January 2011, UTC begun the process of developing UTC's Climate Action Plan (CAP). A Steering Committee comprised of individuals from Facilities, Environmental Science, Interior Design, and the Chancellor’s Office were assigned to direct the efforts. A 20-member Working Group of leadership from all aspects of campus was also assigned and met monthly to direct, give input, and help develop the report. Chancellor Brown and members of his executive team stay close to the process though periodic updates and briefs.
What's Happening Now?
We are currently in the process of completing UTC's second Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This Inventory will provide a comparative analysis with 2009 data, allowing administrators to see where progress has been made and where progress can still be made in cutting UTC's carbon emissions.
