Statement from the Director

Today, higher education is being challenged as never before. Schools are being asked to become instruments of change as part of the solution to the crisis facing our planet. West Virginia University has embarked on a journey, taking a holistic approach in charting a course toward sustainability to fulfill its social, educational, environmental, and economic responsibility to the campus community, the citizens of West Virginia, and to the nation. This website is intended to serve as a resource center for information about our thinking, commitment, actions, and plans.

Our Commitment

1. Members of the WVU community (faculty, students, and staff) will have a basic understanding of sustainable practices, communicated through informal learning sessions and the incorporation of sustainability issues into the University curricula.

2. WVU will encourage and support sustainability scholarship and research.

3. WVU will strive to incorporate sustainable practices into its operations and business processes, which includes purchasing green, incorporating green concepts into building design and maintenance, promoting recycling, and encouraging energy and water conservation in all campus buildings.

Where WECAN Stands

Recognizing its social, economic, and educational leadership responsibilities within the state of West Virginia, West Virginia University (WVU) commits to ensuring a more sustainable future for its students, faculty, staff, and for the citizens of West Virginia. WVU will promote the use of sound sustainable principles and practices through learning, teaching, research, and facilities management from both an educational and operational perspective.