The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Office of Policy and Management (OPM), and Department of Administrative Services (DAS) recognized UConn for achievements in fiscal year 2024, including:
UConn also received honorable mentions for an on-demand hot water system at UConn Health projected to save 25,000 CCF of natural gas annually, and for reducing campus-wide energy use by 3% in MMBtu between FY 2023 and FY 2024.
EcoMadness pits residence halls against each other in a month-long sustainability challenge. In 2023, Grange/Hicks Hall cut electricity use by 30.76%, Allen/Kingston reduced water use by 29.29%, and McConaughy Hall achieved a 92.5% recycling compliance rate. Winners received coupons for UConn’s Dairy Bar ice cream.
The GreenerGov initiative stems from Gov. Ned Lamont’s 2019 Executive Order No. 1, which directs state agencies to cut energy use, water consumption, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. These directives have helped position Connecticut as a leader in integrating operational cost savings with measurable climate benefits.
UConn’s recognition comes as universities nationwide expand EV infrastructure, transition to lower-emission medical practices, and incorporate student engagement programs to meet institutional climate targets. According to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, peer institutions have reported energy reductions of up to 5% annually when combining infrastructure upgrades with behavior-based programs.
