The University of Toledo reduced its carbon footprint by nearly 70% in the 15-year period between 2007 and 2022 as it moves closer to carbon neutrality, according to records maintained by the Office of Sustainability.
Michael Green, director of sustainability and energy efficiency, credited the drop to energy reduction and procurement strategies that have effectively paid for themselves through rebates and savings.
“This reduction is a major achievement, and it’s come at no cost to the University,” Green said. “Our goal is to keep utility costs as low as we can, while providing safe and comfortable building environments. We’ve achieved this by improving our energy efficiency on campus and reducing our carbon footprint through carbon-free electricity.”
UToledo has been strategically managing its energy for decades and is currently guided by a Sustainability Strategic Plan adopted in 2015. This document sets a long-term goal for carbon neutrality by 2058, in line with a broader trend among colleges and universities across the United States. It also establishes other goals related to areas of sustainability like energy efficiency, water conservation and solid waste management.
UToledo signed its first contract for carbon-neutral power in 2019, a financially favorable arrangement that required no additional investment on the part of the University. This led to a significant decrease in the carbon footprint between 2019 and 2020.
Meanwhile UToledo has invested energy rebates and savings into efficiency measures, including a major upgrade to LED lights in 2017 that’s since facilitated an annual budget reduction of $250,000.
Green also notes the solar panel array on Health Science Campus, whose installation was backed financially by the Student Green Fund in 2019. The First Solar-donated panels have since produced revenue topping $120,000, and an expansion is currently in the works.
“Colleges and universities across the country are pursuing carbon neutrality, and only a handful have achieved it so far,” Green said. “This reduction in our carbon footprint is a significant accomplishment that positively distinguishes The University of Toledo.”
NRG Energy recently honored UToledo with an Excellence in Energy Award for Energy Efficiency, which recognizes customers’ success with new technologies, solutions and upgrades resulting in energy reduction or savings. A representative was on campus to present the award to Green and Jason Toth, senior associate vice president for facilities and construction, on Wednesday.
“This award recognizes the efforts of UToledo students, faculty and staff in the area of sustainability,” Toth said. “I am very proud of the effort of our department lead by Michael Green and look forward to us continuing to be champions for sustainability as a University community.”