American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Pledge

On February 22, 2008, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign became a signatory to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). We are currently one of more than six-hundred Colleges and Universities that are participating in this endeavor (see the University's official commitment pledge here (download as pdf).

As concern grows about global warming and the potential effects on health, social, economic, and ecological well-being of our world, the University is a prime place to be at the forefront of battling the negative impacts associated with climate change. The University of Illinois hosts high-caliber research and experts in diverse field across campus and seeks to become a model for not only the State of Illinois, but to become a leader in these efforts nationally and globally.

The ultimate goal of the ACUPCC is for campuses to go "climate neutral". During the first year of this commitment, a greenhouse gas emissions inventory was conducted and submitted to the ACUPCC.

Illinois submitted its Climate Action Plan in May 2010.  This plan sets aggressive goals for reaching carbon neutrality.  Facilities & Services is making great progress on the operational aspects of the plan, and the Office of Sustainability is working to connect educators and researchers to many projects associated with the plan.  Moving forward, Illinois will be required to submit updated greenhouse gas emissions inventories (2012) and progress reports(2013) on alternating years.  As reports become available, they will be shared with the public, both in this space as well as on the ACUPCC's website.