American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (PCC)
President Michael K. Young signs on Earth Day 2008
The President’s Sustainability Advisory Board recommended that President Michael K. Young join more than 500 other college and university presidents in signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (PCC).
The Board states that "Signing the PCC is well aligned with the mission of the University of Utah and shows leadership befitting Utah’s flagship institution of higher education. Fulfilling the commitment to achieve climate neutrality by reducing net carbon emissions at the U to zero will accelerate the education and research efforts needed to re-stabilize the Earth’s climate while leading the U to greater environmental and economic sustainability."
Meeting the Commitment
The PCC requires the University of Utah to take several actions following the President’s signing. The University has already satisfied, or is on its way to satisfying, most of the short-term demands of the PCC. As such, we are confident that the University has developed appropriate mechanisms for making decisions about and taking action for climate neutrality. The PCC requires that institutions:
Within two months of signing, create structures to guide plan development and implementation. A brief report meant to ensure signatories are on track in this regard must be submitted.
- By creating the Office of Sustainability, the University of Utah has met this commitment.
Within one year, complete a comprehensive inventory of campus GHG emissions.
- The Office of Sustainability is in the process of completing this inventory.
Within two years, develop a Comprehensive Climate Neutrality Action Plan for becoming climate neutral. Also, the campus must initiate two of seven tangible actions to reduce GHG emissions. The University of Utah is already very near accomplishing two tangible actions approved by PCC:
- The University’s EdPass program is a tangible action that provides ready access to public transportation.
- Our purchase of renewable energy credits to offset emissions is very near 15% of our electricity consumption. This has been accomplished through the efforts of Plant Operations staff, allocation of student fees and donations received from University supporters.
- The Office of Sustainability has initiated work on the University’s Comprehensive Climate Neutrality Action Plan.
Media Coverage
Official Press Release View document
Deseret News article April 21st View article. . .
Daily Utah Chronicle story April 23rd View article . . .
Associated Press/Local News 8 story View article . . .
KCPW radio clip and text version View piece . . .