University of Arizona
PAE-5: Climate Plan

The plan has a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Specific measures for reaching this goal in terms of demand side energy reduction and supply side techniques are discussed below. Demand side energy reduction o Substantial further reductions in building specific energy use through: • increased focus on energy use in design of new buildings, • increased focus on energy use in building renovation projects, and • re-commissioning of existing building systems to optimize performance. o Substantial reductions in campus-wide energy use through: • continued implementation of building automation, energy management, and controls, • further development, sophistication, and real time use of campus energy metering, monitoring, and control, and • increases in the levels of energy and greenhouse gas awareness,collaboration, and personal responsibility across the entire campus population. o Further reductions in waste heat through: • greater use of low temperature heat recovery, • improvements to the steam distribution systems, and • greater utilization of combined heat and power equipment. Supply side shifts away from carbon based energy o Carbon content of electric power purchased from Tucson Electric Power is anticipated to diminish somewhat as regulatory mandates to increase its renewable energy generation portfolio take effect. o Increases in the ratio of campus combined heat and power to purchased electric power and natural gas for heat will reduce carbon emissions. o Increase utilization of solar thermal energy for building heat, domestic water heat, and cooling. o Increase utilization of on-campus photovoltaics utilizing available roof space and as integrated envelope components to future buildings. o Develop, perhaps in conjunction with others, utility-scale off-campus solar energy power plants utilizing the University's substantial land holdings, existing power transmission infrastructure and the regions abundant solar resource. o Alternative low carbon fuel sources for on-campus combined heat and power such as source separated urban biomass or cultivated biofuels may become regionally viable in later years of the plan.

The University of Arizona will continue to renovate older buildings as well as employ newer more efficient technologies for water and energy consumption. Informing departments and units of practices that reduce waste and improve financial stability will also be encouraged.