- Increasing environmental footprint due to expanding buildings and programs
- Need to further reduce waste sent to landfills despite progress
- Need to transition away from fossil fuels in district energy systems
University of Virginia
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2021-2022 reporting, University of Virginia disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 164.7K tCO2e/year (2021). Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
164.7K tCO2e/year (2021)
2021-2022
Renewable Energy
20% (from Hollyfield and Puller solar projects)
of total energy
Water Usage
422 million gallons/year (2021)
2021-2022
Waste
8.4K tons/year (2021)
2021-2022
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 43% since 2010
- Reduced potable water consumption by 26.5% since 2010
- Reduced waste footprint by 38.8% since 2010
- Achieved 78 LEED certifications across 4.5 million square feet of building space
- Reduced energy costs by $21.6 million over the past three years through building efficiency programs
- Prohibited the purchase, distribution, or sale of certain single-use plastics
- Recycled X-rays, diverting 346,000 pounds of waste from landfill and recouping $142,000
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce building energy use intensity by 20% below 2010 levels by 2023
- Reduce nitrogen losses to the environment by 30% below 2010 levels by 2030
📅 Medium-term
- Be carbon neutral by 2030
- Reduce water consumption 30% below 2010 levels by 2030
- Reduce waste footprint to 30% of 2010 totals by 2030 (a 70% reduction)
- Increase sustainable food purchases to 30% by 2030
🔭 Long-term
- Be fossil fuel-free by 2050
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ActionWaste ReductionWater ConservationEquitable PlacesSustainability ResearchSustainability Education