1. Progress
  2. President’s Climate Commitment
President Radenka Maric speaks during "The Sustainable Clean Energy Summit:Decarbonizing Society and the Grid" at the Student Union Theater on Oct. 4, 2023. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

President's Climate Commitment

From the Office of the President

  • The President's Carbon Reduction Working Group is comprised of faculty, staff, and students and was formed to "support ongoing energy conservation efforts" as well as "identify, evaluate, and recommend specific cost-effective initiatives and actions" that will further sustainability efforts at UConn.
  • Read the letter from the President regarding Climate Action & Sustainability and the formation of the Carbon Reduction Working Group.
  • Released in February of 2024, the Sustainability Action Plan outlines President Maric's and the University's ongoing sustainability progress and goals.
  • For more information about President Maric, visit the Office of the President webpage.

Over the Years

Hogan signing

American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (PCC) - 2008

Back in March 25, 2008 University of Connecticut President, Michael Hogan, signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (PCC).  The PCC recognizes the unique responsibility that institutions of higher education have as role models for their communities and in training the people who will develop the social, economic and technological solutions to reverse global warming.  By signing the Commitment the President Hogan pledged that the University of Connecticut will work towards eliminating the Storrs campus’ greenhouse gas emissions over time. 

Pictured: Former University President Hogan making the University of Connecticut a signatory to the Presidents' Climate Commitment, which signifies UConn's efforts to be climate neutral by 2050. 

Herbst signing

"Climate Impact, Mitigation, and Adaption: a Reflection on Our Future" - 2012

“Climate Impact, Mitigation, and Adaptation: a Reflection on Our Future,” was a four day climate-centric event that occurred on March 26, 2012. The intent of CIMA was to engage all levels of the Storrs and UConn communities in productive discussions about the implications that a warming climate will have on our society and our environment. During the opening ceremony, President Susan Herbst signed UConn’s Climate Action Plan, an essential part of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (PCC).

Pictured: University President Susan Herbst signs UConn's climate action plan during the opening ceremony of CIMA of March 26, 2012. 

Stock photo of Herbst speaking

Vision for Campus Sustainability & Climate Leadership, 2016

In December of 2016, University President Susan Herbst endorsed UConn’s 2020 Vision for Campus Sustainability & Climate Leadership, which provides suggestions for reaching the goals outlined in our Climate Action Plan (CAP). At the same time, she also signed this letter to President Donald Trump and Members of the United States Congress, urging for support of the UN’s Paris Climate Agreement, ongoing climate research, and investment in a low-carbon economy. The letter was signed by more than 220 college and university presidents across the United States.