Climate Action

Climate Action

The University will be carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel free by 2050.

In December 2019, the UVA Board of Visitors approved a resolution for the University to be carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel free by 2050. The scope of these goals is:

  • Carbon neutral – All scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions are mitigated to zero. (Scope 1 refers to carbon emissions from UVA-owned facilities, and scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from energy sources purchased by UVA.)  
  • Fossil fuel free – No fossil fuels are used on Grounds for heating and cooling, electricity generation or University transportation.
     

Climate Goals - FAQs

These goals were developed in collaboration with the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County as part of Climate Action Together. The University also forged a long-term climate action partnership with the University of William & Mary in the development and execution of these goals. 

UVA is currently developing its 2030 Climate Action Plan which will outline the University’s path to achieving its carbon neutral goal. A supplemental Strategic Thermal Energy Study is also underway to investigate the long-term strategies that will support the University in eliminating fossil fuels from its operations. These efforts build upon the successes of the Board of Visitors’ 2011 and 2013 sustainability resolutions, the University’s 2019 Greenhouse Gas Action Plan and the work of thousands of engaged individuals over the past decade.

Chart showing 43.4% reduction in GHG Emissions since 2010

climate resources