WVU is committing to more than 20 sustainability goals aimed at reducing waste and emissions and protecting land and water across all campuses, with measured improvements expected by 2035. (WVU Photo/Mark Webb)
West Virginia University is committing to a comprehensive set of 20-plus sustainability goals, outlining a road map for significant environmental improvements across campus by 2035.
Announced as part of Earth Week at WVU, the initiatives — spanning categories of waste reduction, land and water protection, and lower emissions — reflect the University’s commitment to a more environmentally friendly future.
“We’ve never published formal written goals as an institution before and we’re really excited to launch these for the WVU System to unite everyone around a set of measurable sustainability priorities,” said Traci Knabenshue, the University’s Sustainability director who has been involved in these efforts since 2006.
“It will take everyone. We are the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, and it is part of our responsibility to weave sustainability into our everyday operations. West Virginians are very tied to our mountains and to the land, and we are determined to lead the charge in these areas and create forward momentum on our campuses and beyond.”
A key focus of the plan is waste reduction, with mandates for sustainability certifications for all newly purchased computers and laptops by 2026, and requirements for recycling of 30% of construction and demolition waste on major capital projects by 2027.
WVU is also aiming to cut campus printing 30% by 2028, a goal already showing progress due to a managed printing program adopted in 2023 in which all printers now default to double-sided, black-and-white printing.
WVU Dining Services is also dedicated to sustainability efforts through dining practices, which will continue with the plan’s implementation. By 2029, composting will be available in all residence halls and dining locations, and 50% of single-use plastics will be eliminated by 2035. WVU is also targeting a 50% campuswide recycling diversion rate by 2035.
“Recycling is the most visible piece of sustainability,” said Stephanie Toothman, University conservation specialist. “You see those bins and immediately recognize them so that’s easy to participate in. In contrast, many of our other goals will add tangibility to and raise awareness about the other items critical to long-term campus sustainability that are harder to see, such as energy use.”
Protecting land and water resources is another critical component of the plan. Goals include increasing the use of third-party certified cleaning products, maintaining a 13% tree canopy coverage on the Morgantown Campus and implementing low-impact stormwater management for new construction projects. Water metering will be installed in high-usage buildings to reduce potable water consumption.
To lower emissions, WVU will increase steam production efficiency, establish energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and renovations, and reduce overall building energy usage.
The University also aims to reduce its state-purchased vehicle fleet and transition remaining vehicles to more sustainable options. Promoting alternative transportation is another priority, with goals to achieve Bicycle-Friendly University Gold Status and increase public transportation ridership.
Additionally, the plan calls for WVU to incorporate vendor sustainability practices into purchasing and expand plant-based dining options while working to increase the amount of sustainably and ethically produced food purchased.
“We have analyzed best practices of peer institutions and developed goals with groups that balance aspiration and achievability. For example, incorporating campus feedback resulted in a new goal to add renewable energy to our purchased power by 2035,” Toothman said.
“Sustainability might sound unfamiliar, but the personal actions that we all take on campus — whether we realize them or not — can make a difference. We conserve what we can, we use our things appropriately, we try not to be wasteful and operate in a way that does less harm to the environment. And we encourage everyone to join the cause.”
Annual progress reports will be provided during National Campus Sustainability Week in October.
Find a full list of the WVU Sustainability Goals for the Morgantown Campus.
Along with the Morgantown Campus, many of the sustainability goals apply to WVU Potomac State College and WVU Institute of Technology, while other goals are currently in development that are tailored to the structure and needs of the regional campuses.
See the WVU Earth Week schedule of events.
The Office of Sustainability is also involved in the 20th annual Blue and Gold Mine Sale, scheduled for May 17 at Milan Puskar Stadium.
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