University of Iowa's Sustainability Goals
In 2010, the University of Iowa established its first set of campus-wide sustainability goals, which were to be achieved by 2020. The university's second set of campus-wide sustainability goals were announced in 2021 and were later embedded into the UI 2022-2027 Strategic Plan as metrics and indicators of success towards Transformative Societal Impact. The new goals are listed below.
*Iowa Health Care facilities will not be included in the zero waste goal but will meet or exceed top performing health care facility diversion rates of at least 40%
Zero Coal by 2025
University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld announced Feb. 20, 2017, that the University of Iowa campus will be coal-free by 2025. UI Utilities pioneered a unique and innovative source of biomass fuel–oat hulls–and the UI Energy Collaborative is currently exploring a number of other biomass fuels to meet its goal like Miscanthus energy grass and energy pellets.
UI Strategic Plan
The UI 2022-2027 Strategic Plan established five priorities that are interconnected and build upon each other to position our institution for success. Sustainability objectives, strategies, and metrics were integrated into the plan's Transformative Societal Impact priority.
Our goal is to expand the university's impact on local and regional communities, the state of Iowa, and the world by leveraging its areas of distinction, the resources entrusted to it, and the collective talent of its people.
The Transformative Societal Impact priority establishes strategies to increase access to higher education in Iowa, enrich cultural experiences, expand community engagement opportunities, advance sustainability, enhance communication, and maintain our high standard of excellent health care services.
Objectives and Strategies that Prioritize Sustainability
Expand opportunities and support for students, faculty, and staff to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with communities across Iowa and around the world, including those with underserved populations.
Bolster community partnerships in areas of institutional excellence--including health, arts and cultural programming, sustainability, entrepreneurship and business development, policy leadership, well-being and mental health, and others--to positively impact communities in Iowa and advance the university's mission around the world.
Continue to exercise responsible and effective stewardship of resources, prioritize sustainabiilty, and address the needs of stakeholders in the state of Iowa and beyond.
Further integrate sustainability into the university's teachings, research, and public engagement missions as well as its operations.