Updated Jan. 18 - The Jan. 16 and Jan. 17 forums were canceled due to the weather-related UO closures. The story has been updated with the new date and times of the rescheduled forums.

A task force assessing options for transforming the heating infrastructure on the Eugene campus is seeking feedback from the University of Oregon campus community. 

The task force was chartered to make a recommendation to President Karl Scholz. The effort is part of the university’s climate action plan, and its commitment to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency.

UO faculty members, employees and students are invited to attend an open forum to understand the options for transforming the university’s heating system in Eugene to achieve sustainability goals. The forums provide explanation of the initiative and options under consideration, along with updates of the task force’s activities and an opportunity to provide feedback.

Two winter public outreach forums are scheduled in the Erb Memorial Union Redwood Auditorium on Jan. 22. One from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and the other from 6 to 7:30 p.m. They are co-hosted by the Thermal Systems Task Force, the Office of Finance and Administration, the Office of Sustainability, and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon. No registration is required, and food and beverages will be provided.

The task force, comprised of board members, faculty and employee experts, and students, is reviewing options that could reduce emissions from the Central Power Station and improve energy efficiency.

An initial study conducted by a national engineering firm with experience overhauling campus heating infrastructure identified several options for transitioning from the current natural gas-fired boilers and steam distribution system. The task force is evaluating the options provided by the study and factoring in feedback provided by campus community members with the goal of providing a recommendation to President Scholz for a system that meets resiliency and reliability standards, achieves science-based emissions reduction targets, improves efficiency and is fiscally responsible.

Visit the Office of Sustainability website to learn more about the climate action plans and current projects.