UNC Charlotte Advances Work in Power Down the Crown Initiative

UNC Charlotte continues to partner with Power Down the Crown, an initiative led by the Charlotte City Council aimed at encouraging Charlotte building owners to increase energy efficiency and collectively work towards Charlotte’s goal of becoming a net-zero-carbon city by 2050. The initiative highlights building energy-efficiency practices across Charlotte and compares building energy use and performance over time and with similar buildings in the area.

Power Down the Crown participants work toward a goal of reducing the program-wide energy use intensity (the energy use per square foot) by 10% by 2030.

UNC Charlotte recently submitted updated energy-use data from 2024 to2026 for 12 campus buildings, including residence halls, labs and academic buildings, and office buildings such as Belk Hall, Robinson Hall and the Facilities Operations building. The data details energy-use intensity, building size and greenhouse-gas emissions, underscoring the University’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

Across campus, the University’s energy-management team is driving measurable progress through targeted upgrades and innovative solutions. In Robinson Hall, newly installed recirculation fans are improving indoor humidity control , occupant comfort and HVAC-system efficiency. A chiller-system upgrade project now in Robinson Hall i design is expected to further enhance cooling performance and reduce energy use once completed..

UNC Charlotte’s participation in Power Down the Crown reflects the University’s broader sustainability leadership — and its dedication to creating a more energy‑efficient future for the campus and the Charlotte community.

Learn more about the program and explore the dashboard of participating buildings across Charlotte.