Seven strategies to help UIC prepare for the future
The Climate Action Implementation Plan (CAIP) is a refined cost-effective portfolio of solutions to be implemented by 2028. The CAIP is also a variety of additional strategic solutions that will be supported, developed, invested in, implemented, and reevaluated on a 5-year incremental basis through 2050.
The strategies of the CAIP integrate the principles of the UIC Climate Commitments to be a Carbon Neutral Campus, Zero Waste Campus, Net-Zero Water Campus, a Biodiverse Campus as well as the teaching and learning strategies of the recommendations of "To Green and Beyond: Excellence through Sustainability".
The CAIP will enhance the four strategic priorities of the campus through student learning & success, efficient capital projects, health and well-being of the UIC and broader community, and positioning UIC to be an innovator through collaborative research and teaching. Implementing all of the CAIP solutions will make UIC a truly sustainable university in which to work, study, and conduct research.
Prepared by the UIC Office of Sustainability in conjuntion with the Chancellor's Committee on Sustainability and Energy (CCSE). Published by the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services.
The CAIP
STRATEGY 1.0 Energy Efficiency and Conservation
1.1 IMPLEMENT STRATEGIC ENERGY MANAGEMENT (SEM)
1.1.1 SEM: Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) Portfolio
1.1.2 SEM: Green Revolving Fund
1.2 REDUCE ENERGY DEMAND
1.2.1 Building Standards (Path to Net Zero Energy)
1.2.2 Energy Conscious Campus
STRATEGY 2.0 Clean and Renewable Energy Sources
2.1 PROCURE RENEWABLE ENERGY
2.1.1 Indirect Power Purchase Agreement
2.1.2 Onsite PPA Solar Rooftop Generation
2.2 UTILIZE THERMAL ALTERNATIVES
2.2.1 Onsite Power Plant Electricity Production
STRATEGY 3.0 Reduced Transportation-Related Emissions
3.1 REDUCE COMMUTING-RELATED EMISSIONS
3.1.1 Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
3.1.1.1 Transit Incentives for Faculty and Staff
3.1.1.2 Bicycle Program
3.2 REDUCE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS TRAVEL-RELATED EMISSIONS
3.2.1 Fleet Efficiency (Fuel Switch)
3.2.2 Air Travel Carbon Offset Program
3.2.3 Inter-Campus Travel
STRATEGY 4.0 Natural Systems and Ecosystem Services
4.1 RETAIN AND REDUCE STORMWATER
4.1.1 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Implementation Plan
4.2 REDUCE WATER USE
4.2.1 Building-Level Water Metering
4.2.2 Manual and Low-Flow Fixtures
4.3 ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY
4.3.1 Campus Habitat Pollinator Plan
4.3.2 Tree Care Plan
STRATEGY 5.0 Sustainable Materials and Reduced Waste Streams
5.1 IMPLEMENT UNIT-LEVEL WASTE REDUCTION
5.1.1 Department and Unit Zero Waste Plan
5.2 OPTIMIZE UNIVERSITY-LEVEL OPERATIONS
5.2.1 Operational Waste Collection Efficiency
5.2.2 Construction and Demolition Waste
5.3 REDUCE FOOD WASTE
5.3.1 Food Scrap Collection
5.3.2 Food Recovery & Security
5.4 PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT
5.4.1 Purchasing Process
5.4.2 Revenue Generating Contracts
5.4.3 Purchasing Policies
5.4.3.1 Sustainable Paper Policy
5.4.3.2 Bottled Water Policy
STRATEGY 6.0 Teaching & Learning
6.1 DEVELOP SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED CURRICULUM
6.1.1 Sustainability Course Rubric
6.1.2 Sustainability-Related Courses for General Education Credit
6.1.3 Interdisciplinary Sustainability Majors, Minors, and Certificates
6.1.4 Faculty Expertise
6.2 ENHANCE SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY
6.2.1 Learning Opportunities
6.3 CATALYZE SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED RESEARCH
6.3.1 Research Beyond Campus
6.3.2 Interdisciplinary Research
6.3.3 Funding Opportunities
STRATEGY 7.0 Climate Resilience
7.1 ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
4.1.1 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Implementation Plan
4.3.1 Campus Pollinator Habitat Plan
4.3.2 Tree Care Plan
7.2 SOCIAL EQUITY AND GOVERNANCE
7.2.1 Campus and Community Engagement
7.3 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
7.3.1 Healthy Community Systems
5.3.2 Food Recovery and Security
7.4 SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
7.4.1 Flood Resistant Buildings
7.4.2 Backup Energy
1.1.1 SEM: Energy Conservation Measure
2.1.2 Onsite PPA Solar Rooftop Generation
3.1.1 Transportation Demand Management
7.5 ECONOMY
7.5.1 Emergency Funds and Resources
7.5.2 Tax Incentives and Utility Rebates
1.1.2 SEM: Green Revolving Fund
7.6 EMERGENCY PLANNING
7.6.1 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
7.6.2 Hazard Mitigation Plan
