UT Knoxville Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan
Background
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Climate Action Plan (CAP) outlines a conceptual approach by which the university can achieve ‘climate neutrality’, or zero net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, by 2061. The plan was developed over the course of a year by the Facilities Services department with support from Make Orange Green, the Committee on the Campus Environment, and the Office of the Chancellor.
Update - January 2011
As detailed in this report, UTK is making significant progress towards fulfilling the CAP. The university is halfway to meeting its interim goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent below the fiscal year 2008 level. The planned conversion of the on-campus Steam Plant from coal to natural gas and other energy efficiency projects (click here for a detailed list) will further reduce emissions. Ongoing campaigns such as Switch Your Thinking and the Chancellor's Challenge are encouraging faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors to adopt conservation practices into their daily routines. In addition, a Strategic Energy Roadmap, developed in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, establishes ambitious energy use intensity goals for new and existing campus buildings. These efforts, along with the education, research, and outreach initiatives outlined in this report, illustrate that UTK is integrating sustainability and climate change into all aspects of its operations.
