In 2008, the University became the first, and only, Big Ten school to sign the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment — a promise to students, the community and our peers that we will commit to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Since we signed on, the University released the Illinois Climate Action Plan(iCap), detailing the steps and goals it would aim to meet from 2008 to the very end, such as stopping coal use at Abbott Power Plant and the installation of a wind turbine. Unfortunately, the turbine project was terminated by University administration in Spring 2011.

However, sustainability is more than individual projects. It’s about active engagement, leadership locally and nationally, and education.

Today marks the end of Sustainability Week; it’s the University’s forum to discuss our progress toward iCAP goals. The following is our assessment of how well the University has done since undertaking its commitment.

h2. CONSUMPTION: B PLUS

Since 2007, the University has reduced its energy consumption by 16.1 percent and its emissions by 24.9 percent through increased building efficiency and a decentralized billing system.

But as energy consumption has dropped, so too has our administration’s commitment to clean energy. Renewable sources make up less than 1 percent of our current energy profile.

If the University hopes to meet its target of 25 percent of campus energy being renewable by 2025, it must begin to prioritize clean energy sources, such as wind, solar and biomass.

Until then, meaningful reductions in energy consumption will remain a pipe dream.

h2. EFFICIENCY: C

While We aren’t efficient individually, more macro-level initiatives, such as requiring LEED Silver Standards for new construction, demonstrate the University’s drive to be energy-efficient.

However, there’s been a trend in starting new projects, such as the Business Instruction Facility or the ECE building, rather than renovating existing ones, accruing deferred maintenance projects.

The majority of campus buildings are in poor condition, said Morgan Johnston, sustainability coordinator at Facilities and Services.

Putting these projects off will accumulate waste and cost, both of which cannot be tolerated in our budget state.

h2. AWARENESS: A

Since students are the lifeblood of any campus, environmental sustainability can only be achieved if they want it — at this University they do overwhelmingly.

There is a push for greener transportation, including a bike sharing program with repair stations, extensive bike paths, Zipcars and more mass transit use — projects which students have been motivated to implement.

Still, there is a lack of more active involvement on the student level. Although we are aware of green issues, we aren’t as fully engaged as we can be. Students should still look at cutting back on electricity and water usage, as well as watching food waste.

h2. LEADERSHIP: B

In 2008, the University created two new structures: the Office of Sustainability, which works with campus, student and community groups to promote engagement activities, and the Sustainability Council, chaired by the Vice President and Chancellor, which also has students, faculty and staff as representatives. Doctoral student Suhail Barot pointed out that the Office of Sustainability has not had a permanent director in place since 2010, and wondered if it might be hindering the office.

Though the University has an active network of sustainability groups leading the effort, the installment of a full-time director would ensure goals are being met from year to year.