Climate Dashboard
Emissions
The U continues to reduce its emissions, even as the campus adds more students and buildings. The University of Utah tracks Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions each year and reports to SIMAP. The University’s carbon footprint includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and some Scope 3 emissions (commuting and air travel) as required by the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments.
Decrease
34%
in operational emissions CO2e emissions since 2007
Renwables
65%
of purchased electricity is from renewables
Metric Tons CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e)
FY07 - Scope 1 and Scope 2
FY25 - Scope 1 and Scope 2
Electricity Purchased Annually (kWh)
Water
The University of Utah is taking significant strides to reduce its water use. For indoor water use reduction, the university requires Watersense fixtures in major renovations and new construction, and Facilities Management has completed significant work to identify and repair leaks. For outdoor water use, learn more about irrigations practices from UFacilities.
The university has been upgrading campus irrigation systems with WeatherTRAK smart controllers over the years. For a consistent measurement across mixed use meters, outdoor water use is calculated below by comparing summer and winter water use.
Monthly Water Usage (ccf)
Annual Water Usage (ccf)
Transportation
Sustainable transportation options, both to and within the university, reduce vehicle-related emissions. In 2025, transportation emissions accounted for just over 25% of the university's greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation data is self-reported via a Commuter Survey that is distributed every 2 years. See Commuter Services' Transportation Dashboard for more information.
EV Adoption
9%
with growing use across the campus
Commuting Mode by Affiliation
Transportation By Students
Transportation By Faculty
Transportation By Staff
Buildings
The university implements Green Building Standards such as High Performance Building Standards as required by Utah Division of Facilities and Construction Maintenance. For decades, the University has also pursued LEED on various projects across campus.
See project details – including scorecards – here on US Green Building Council's website.