Background

• In 2019, University of Oregon students submitted a letter to President Michael Schill requesting additional action in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0 to achieve emissions reductions in line with the best available scientific, humanistic, and social scientific research. 
• In fall of 2022, the initial thermal systems transition study was completed. The study presented several conceptual options for heating systems that could facilitate the achievement of UO’s CAP 2.0 goals. 
• With the initial study complete, Interim President Patrick Phillips established the Thermal Transition Taskforce including members of the Board of Trustees, senior administrators, faculty experts, and students to recommend a course forward.

Timeline

The Task Force held regular meetings to consider UO community input, review of administrative and consultant analysis, and thoroughly evaluate operational and financial impact in order to reach a final recommendation.

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  Fall 2022

  • REVIEW Phase I heating study and UO emissions
  • CREATE workplan
  • COMMISSION Phase II technical analysis
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  Winter 2023

  • REVIEW existing UO heating infrastructure
  • REVIEW regulatory and market ramifications
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  spring 2023

  • CREATE process for community participation
  • HOST forums to engage UO community
  • CONDUCT campus outreach presentations
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  summer 2023

  • REVIEW campus stakeholders’ feedback
•  

  fall 2023

  • RECEIVE concept design for hot water heating distribution system
  • CREATE draft report for UO President
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  winter 2024

  • HOST forums to update UO community and provide information from concept design study
  • SUBMIT recommendation to President
  • PRESENT findings and recommendation to the Board of Trustees
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  spring 2024

  • DETERMINE next steps