Garvie: Celebrating the University’s Ongoing Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

As the new presidency unfolds in the United States, environmental policies are changing rapidly. A significant shift includes 31 deregulatory measures that could greatly impact our planet. One notable change is the reconsideration of emissions standards for power plants and the potential rollback of greenhouse gas reporting requirements.

Unfortunately, this trend has affected universities as well. The recent rescission of Executive Order 14008, which had promoted climate change education and sustainable practices in higher education, highlights this issue. Amid these challenges, the University of Virginia (U.Va.) remains committed to its sustainability goals, a move worth acknowledging.

In 2020, U.Va. launched its “2030 UVA Sustainability Plan,” designed by the Office for Sustainability. This ambitious plan outlines ten key environmental objectives aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability research. It’s impressive that the university established this proactive plan five years ago. As we approach 2030, U.Va. has made significant progress, earning recognition from the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council for its efforts.

One of the university’s main strategies for improving energy efficiency has been the Building Efficiency Program. Over the past nine years, U.Va. has upgraded 75 buildings to enhance their energy performance. Any new construction now adheres to Green Building Standards, ensuring energy-efficient design. A standout project is the Contemplative Commons, which boasts energy-saving features like abundant natural light.

Sustainable practices extend beyond buildings. U.Va. Dining has focused on reducing waste in the university’s food services. Despite a 10.8% increase in landfill waste across the board since 2010, U.Va. has achieved a remarkable 36.8% reduction in its total waste through initiatives like recycling and composting. They recently introduced reusable to-go containers in partnership with the ReusePass Program, which saved over 53,000 pounds of waste at other universities last fall.

While some students have criticized the Grubhub app for its inconvenience when using these containers, it does encourage a more conscious approach to waste. By requiring students to think about their choices, the university fosters a culture of sustainability.

U.Va. also offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in sustainability initiatives beyond dining. Programs like Zero Waste Ambassadors and EcoLeaders empower students to take action. The Office for Sustainability organizes events to help students find internships and volunteer opportunities related to environmental efforts, like working at Morven Kitchen Gardens.

Despite the challenges posed by larger political trends, U.Va.’s proactive approach to sustainability deserves recognition. Their forward-thinking plan, established five years ago, has given the university concrete goals to strive for. As they navigate these uncertain times, their commitment to sustainability stands as a model for other institutions.

For further insights into university sustainability efforts, check out this report on U.Va.’s progress and initiatives.

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