The University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence - Energy Management
The University of Chicago logo

The University of Chicago is an institution of higher education. In 2023, The University of Chicago implemented projects to improve the energy performance of its campus buildings and expand awareness of its partnership with ENERGY STAR®. Key 2023 accomplishments include:

  • Achieving a 6% reduction in energy use at three libraries through HVAC control and building automation system adjustments.
  • Promoting the institution’s ENERGY STAR partnership through a new Office of Sustainability webpage, an expanded campus sustainability and energy newsletter, a new student orientation program, and community member events.
  • Launching a Freezer Challenge to monitor laboratory defrosting and cold storage practices and decrease energy use.
  • Disseminating a checklist of energy and water conservation behaviors to students in residential housing.
  • Pursuing Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition and ENERGY STAR certification for eligible buildings.
  • Identifying savings opportunities connected to chilled water optimization, steam plant heat recovery, and consolidation of HVAC controls through building automation system upgrades.
In 2020 ENERGY STAR and its partners helped Americans avoid more than $40 Billion in energy costs