WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary is starting the Year of the Environment during its Charter Day ceremony on February 7. This event celebrates the university’s unique estuarine campus and highlights its commitment to healthy ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
The Year of the Environment will last for a full year. During this time, the university will boost sustainability efforts on campus and extend its environmental impact globally.
Charter Day honors the founding of William & Mary in 1693, established by royal charter from Britain. The event begins at 4 p.m. at Kaplan Arena. Derek Aday, director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), will speak at the ceremony. Todd Stottlemyer, CEO of Acentra Health and former W&M Rector, will also be honored with a degree. Attendees can look forward to a special announcement to kick off the celebrations.
President Katherine Rowe emphasizes the significance of this year. She reflects on the university’s forward-looking charter and the importance of understanding environmental changes. Throughout the Year of the Environment, William & Mary aims to attract future leaders focused on developing solutions for environmental challenges.
William & Mary is dedicated to sustainability, as outlined in its Vision 2026 strategic plan and Climate Action Roadmap. Many initiatives are already in motion, addressing various aspects from academics to campus operations.
- In 2019, a generous $19.3 million gift led to the creation of the Institute for Integrative Conservation, designed to prepare leaders in environmental policy and action.
- The 2022 Water initiative enhanced the university’s capabilities in coastal ecosystem research and conservation.
- A significant $100 million gift from philanthropist Jane Batten in 2024 aims to make W&M’s Batten School & VIMS a leader in ocean and coastal science.
On campus, several efforts are underway to improve sustainability:
- In 2018, William & Mary collaborated with the University of Virginia and Dominion Energy to boost renewable energy use.
- A comprehensive plan will be made by 2026 to ensure energy efficiency in campus operations.
- Recent renovations have included 531 geothermal wells, potentially reducing energy costs by 60% for certain buildings.
- Additionally, over 35 buildings on campus are LEED-certified, showcasing a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable design.
These achievements reflect more than 20 years of teamwork among students, faculty, and staff to advance sustainability. The 2008 introduction of a Green Fee has also helped fund numerous innovative projects on campus.
The Year of the Environment is set to broaden the scope of this important work. “We invite everyone in the William & Mary community to participate in a year full of meaningful initiatives and events for the good of future generations,” Aday stated.
For more details, check out the complete article at W&M News.
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