Though many institutions of higher education across the nation have signed the Talloires Declaration in recent years, the University of Virginia did so way back in 1991. If that isn’t proof enough that UVA has been historically keen on sustainability, take this into account: The university updated its energy and sustainability policy in 2006; dictated that all new building and renovation obtain LEED certification in 2007 (at last count, seven Gold, twelve Silver, ten Certified, and pursuing certification for fourteen additional projects); and completed a carbon inventory in 2008, the data from which was used to set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 2009 levels by 2025. Last year UVA became the first university in the nation to set a goal to reduce reactive nitrogen –a 25 percent reduction below 2010 levels by 2025. UVA has recently completed several comprehensive building-based energy initiatives, such as installing energy-efficient occupancy sensors, steam traps, and motors. As a partner in the Department of Energy’s Better Building Challenge, UVA is seeking to reduce building energy use intensity 20 percent below 2010 levels by 2020. In addition to these measures, the university has actively worked toward decreasing its water usage. Case in point: Despite campus growth, UVA is actually using 32 percent less water than the peak water usage in 1999. To further its water conservation, the university has outlawed the use of potable water in air conditioners for cooling research equipment, as well as installing low-flow showers, toilets, and urinals. UVA also seeks sustainability in the food it serves to its students. The Dining program has achieved Marine Stewardship Council certification and overall, twenty-six percent of food purchases are from local and/or organic sources. UVA’s dining services focus on providing local (check out their website and you can find out which towns their burgers and cheeses come from), seasonal, organic, humane, and fair trade foods to their customers, all while serving them in compostable packaging and biodegradable to-go containers. These measures have contributed to UVA’s impressive waste-diversion rate of 53 percent. Healthier buildings are a priority – UVA recently became only the third university in the U.S. to achieve Green Seal GS-42 certification for healthier and more environmentally friendly cleaning methods. The UVA community can take advantage of alternative transportation options at this Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly University, including a bike share system, Zipcar, Zimride and CAVPOOL ridesharing programs. Sustainability-related curriculum highlights include a Global Studies – Environments + Sustainability major as well as a Global Sustainability Minor.
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Sustainability-focused degree available
School employs a sustainability officer
Public GHG inventory plan
% food budget spent on local/organic food
Available Transportation Alternatives
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
School Developed Bicycle Plan
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2019.
