On February 22, 2008, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). This action committed the campus to carbon neutrality by the year 2050 (see the University's official commitment pledge here). This Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) describes a path toward the fulfillment of this commitment.

As concern grows about climate change and the effects on health, social, economic, and ecological well-being of our world, the University of Illinois is in a prime position to be at the forefront of battling the negative impacts associated with climate change. The University of Illinois hosts high-caliber researchers and experts in diverse fields across campus and seeks to become a leader in sustainability efforts locally, nationally, and globally.

Goals

The ultimate goal of the ACUPCC Climate Commitment is for campuses to be "climate neutral" with no unmitigated greenhouse gas emissions.  The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) was first submitted in May 2010, and it set aggressive goals for reaching carbon neutrality. 

As the flagship public university in the state of Illinois, the campus has a moral and ethical responsibility to lead, to set aggressive goals, to work to meet them, and to serve as a model for the community, state, and nation.  The iCAP represents a roadmap to a new, prosperous, and sustainable future for the University. It outlines strategies, initiatives, and targets toward meeting the stated goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Please click here to download a PDF of the 2010 Climate Action Plan. (https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/files/project/36/iCAP_FINAL.pdf)