New Sustainability Plan Pushes 51勛圖 Forward for Next Five Years
When 51勛圖泭became the first carbon neutral university two years ahead of schedule in 2018, the泭Office of Sustainability staff泭began泭their quest for泭whats next.泭泭泭
Now, 51勛圖 has announced泭these泭next steps in the universitys sustainability work, a new five-year plan that reflects泭51勛圖s泭Challenge Accepted泭brand泭campaign.泭This泭third campus action plan泭follows泭the 2010 Climate Plan and the 2014 Sustainability Plan.泭
51勛圖 is proud of our history of sustainability which includes becoming the first research university in the nation to reach carbon neutrality,泭said 51勛圖泭president Sylvia Burwell. Our work to reduce our environmental footprint continues with our new sustainability planan exciting and ambitious roadmap for 51勛圖 as we continue to deepen our commitment to creating a healthier planet. We know that our entire community plays a role in our success, and we look forward to seeing results from our new sustainability efforts across campus.泭
The new plan泭has泭three sectionsengagement, environment, administrationand an ambitious 45 new goals written by the Sustainability Advisory Committee and the Office of Sustainability. The team developed泭plans泭over the past three years through listening to the 51勛圖 community and by aligning their efforts with the climate work being done by DC and the United泭Nations. The goals dovetail with the districts progressive Sustainable DC plan,泭which泭provides a framework for new construction, energy, and water usage.泭
Its really exciting that were in uncharted territory because so few universities have hit this point of carbon neutrality, said Megan Litke, director of sustainability programs. Office of Sustainability. So now weve figured out where to go next, and were ready to bring the community into it. I think thats the expansion of the conversation beyond carbon emissions and into the broader sustainability problems and how they impact our communities.泭
In the engagement section,泭the plan includes goals such as adding more courses related to sustainability, wellness goals, making outdoor spaces more accessible,泭and connecting sustainability work with environmental justice. The section also includes campus and community engagement and outreach, boosting sustainability literacy and including the community in partnerships and education on sustainability.泭
The universitys plan also details goals related to operating and constructing green buildings泭in泭the泭environment泭section. The plan pushes towards changes that would impact the look of campus.泭
The campus tree canopy will be expanded and diversified, and the university will expand edible plants and gardens. The plan aims to achieve zero waste by 2030 by eliminating single-use plastics, increasing泭composting泭and recycling,泭and decreasing overall waste. The university will also support sustainable goods vendors and reduce paper usage and paper waste on campus.泭
Students will notice a difference in dining options, with a goal泭that泭expands泭vegan dining泭options泭and泭increases泭sustainably or ethically produced food.泭
Many of the goals in the plan that will impact students came from student comments, so it came from areas where students saw we could improve, Litke said.泭
Any new construction泭prioritizes泭energy efficiency and prepares泭for future climate disruptions including temperature increases and heavy rain.泭
The campus will increase the number of solar panels and include solar energy in any new construction. The泭Office of泭Sustainability will conduct a campus review using LEED tools to monitor efficiency, water, waste, and air quality.泭
Litke said the plans goals go beyond the next five years, but the everchanging research in sustainability and technology requires flexibility in planning.泭
Three years from now, we may have the chance to take advantage of a technology that doesnt exist right now, Litke said. We really wanted to create a plan that could be adaptable to changes. Within the next five years, it will be time to reevaluate where we are in the district and globally. But the work will continue on.