Strategic Focus
The sustainability strategy at WVU invites, energizes, and builds on a broad-based coalition with participation that is iterative in nature. Outlined below is a brief description of the major areas identified (but not limited to) for action as part of the campus-wide sustainability program.
1. Academic Curriculum: Transform the content of education to integrate sustainability into curricula in different college specialties. Train and develop a new generation of multi-disciplinary graduates for green-collar jobs.
2. Research Projects: Strategically select and piggyback grant-funded and capital projects to demonstrate cutting edge concepts, practices, and technologies that can be further refined and/or transplanted. Provide an opportunity to develop both technical and leadership skills.
3. Planning and Construction (Green Building/LEED): Apply green design principles and use alternative products that are feasible and economical while minimizing pollution and risk to human health and the environment.
4. Transportation and Parking: Implement traffic-reducing commuter benefits as part of a comprehensive commuter benefits package. Provide the cleanest possible transportation using innovative strategies.
5. Water Conservation and Management: Promote cost savings and efficiencies through utility-based measures, as well as engineering and behavioral water efficiency options.
6. Energy Conservation and Management: Maximize energy efficiency in commercial, industrial, and residential settings by promoting new building and product design and practices. Reduce the environmental impact of power generation by fostering the use of cost-effective combined heat and power and innovative technologies.
7. Recycling: Promote recycling by increasing the number of safe, convenient opportunities to recycle unwanted paper, cans, computers, electronics, and other products.
8. Green Purchasing, Landscaping, and Biodiversity: Increase the purchase and use of green and environmentally-friendly products. Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials in large-scale landscaping by providing cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions that conserve natural resources and energy.
9. Emergency Management and Security: Ensure appropriate measures are in place to prepare, prevent, and respond to all types of emergencies.
10. Health and Safety Compliance System: Implement and adhere to policies, practices and procedures for the well-being of students, staff, and faculty. Help find new ways to retrofit labs, thus reducing energy costs and environmental damage.
