Climate Action
Climate change is both an environmental and social justice challenge. Guided by our Jesuit mission and commitment to integral ecology, Loyola University Chicago is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare our campuses and communities for a changing climate, and integrate climate action throughout University operations and planning.
Loyola's first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, A Just Future, guided the University's climate efforts from 2015 through 2025. After a decade of action and significant progress toward the plan's major goals, Loyola is preparing for its next chapter. Climate Action Plan 2.0 is coming soon.
A Decade of Climate Action
In 2015, Loyola adopted A Just Future, its first comprehensive Climate Action Plan and roadmap for climate action through 2025. The plan established goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing climate action throughout the University.
Over the following decade, Loyola achieved major goals established in the plan while continuing to expand sustainability across campus operations.
Carbon Neutral by 2025
At the start of 2025, Loyola achieved carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
100% Clean Electricity
Beginning January 1, 2025, Loyola's Chicago-area campuses began sourcing electricity through the Double Black Diamond Solar project in central Illinois. The agreement supports enough renewable electricity generation to match the electricity needs of Loyola's Chicago-area campuses.
Investing in Lower-Carbon Campuses
Loyola invested in high-performing buildings and campus energy systems, including energy-efficiency improvements, building-envelope upgrades, and expanded geothermal heating and cooling. These investments reduce energy demand while laying the groundwork for deeper campus decarbonization.
Addressing Remaining Emissions
Alongside direct emissions reductions and renewable energy investments, Loyola partnered with Chicago-based Tradewater to address remaining emissions through projects that prevent potent refrigerant gases from entering the atmosphere. Beginning in 2024, these projects accounted for the equivalent of approximately 13,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Loyola's Carbon Footprint
Understanding our greenhouse gas emissions helps Loyola identify where our greatest climate impacts occur and where action can have the greatest effect.
Loyola regularly measures its greenhouse gas footprint, including direct emissions from University operations, emissions associated with purchased energy, and indirect emissions connected to activities such as commuting, business travel, and and waste.
Explore latest Loyola's Greenhouse Gas Data on SIMAP
How We're Reducing Emissions
Loyola's greenhouse gas footprint is connected to many of the everyday systems that keep the University running—from how buildings are heated and powered to how people travel to campus and what happens to the materials we use.
Reducing these emissions requires action across University operations. Explore some of the ways Loyola is working to reduce its climate impact:
Explore Sustainable Food & Dining
Preparing for a Changing Climate
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one part of climate action. Loyola must also prepare its campuses and communities for the impacts of a changing climate.
Climate change is expected to affect the Chicago region through challenges including more extreme heat, heavier precipitation, flooding, and changing conditions for natural ecosystems. Loyola considers these risks in campus planning, infrastructure, landscapes, stormwater management, and other operational decisions.
Green infrastructure and sustainable landscapes can play an important role in this work. Loyola's campuses incorporate strategies that manage stormwater, support biodiversity, reduce heat, and create healthier and more resilient campus environments.
As climate conditions continue to change, Loyola will continue evaluating vulnerabilities and opportunities to strengthen the resilience of our campuses and surrounding communities.
Climate Action Across the University
Loyola's response to climate change extends beyond reducing emissions and preparing our physical campuses. As a Jesuit university, Loyola also considers the social dimensions of environmental challenges and the unique role higher education can play in developing knowledge, preparing future leaders, and advancing solutions.
Explore Integration into Teaching & Research
What's Next
The conclusion of A Just Future in 2025 marked the completion of Loyola's first decade of comprehensive climate action—but not the end of the University's climate work.
Loyola is building on the accomplishments and lessons of its first Climate Action Plan to develop the University's next roadmap for further reducing emissions, strengthening resilience, and responding to a changing climate.
Climate Action Plan 2.0 is coming soon.
Climate Reports & Resources
Loyola's climate work is informed by ongoing measurement, research, and planning. Explore current and historical resources documenting the University's climate impact and response.
Climate Action Plans
A Just Future: Loyola University Chicago's Climate Action Plan (2015–2025)
Greenhouse Gas Reporting
SIMAP Sustainability Indicators Management & Analysis Platform
Climate Research & Historical Resources
2022 Project Drawdown LUC Summary
2017 AJCU Climate on Campus Study