NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University (WVU) has introduced more than 20 sustainability goals aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship across its campuses by 2035. These goals were introduced in conjunction with Earth Week at WVU and focus on waste reduction, land and water protection, and emission cuts.

Traci Knabenshue, the University’s Sustainability Director, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiatives. "We’ve never published formal written goals as an institution before and we’re really excited to launch these for the WVU System to unite everyone around a set of measurable sustainability priorities," she stated. Knabenshue highlighted WVU's role as a flagship, land-grant institution committed to incorporating sustainability into everyday operations.

The plan includes specific objectives such as requiring sustainability certifications for all newly purchased computers and laptops by 2026 and recycling 30% of construction and demolition waste by 2027. WVU aims to reduce campus printing by 30% by 2028, a target already being addressed through a managed printing program.

WVU Dining Services is also engaging with the plan, with composting to be available at all dining locations by 2029 and plans to cut single-use plastics by half by 2035. The university aims for a 50% recycling diversion rate campus-wide by 2035. "Recycling is the most visible piece of sustainability," noted Stephanie Toothman, a University conservation specialist.

The protection of land and water resources also features prominently in the plan. This includes increased use of third-party certified cleaning products and maintaining a 13% tree canopy on the Morgantown Campus. Stormwater management and water metering in high-use buildings are additional goals.

For emissions reduction, WVU will focus on boosting steam production efficiency, implementing energy requirements for buildings, and promoting alternative transportation. Goals are also set to reduce the university's vehicle fleet and to transition remaining vehicles to more sustainable options.

Toothman emphasized the balance between ambition and achievability in developing these goals. Part of the strategy involves adding renewable energy to WVU's purchased power by 2035.

Annual progress reports will be released during National Campus Sustainability Week each October, offering updates on these goals, which will also be applied to WVU Potomac State College and WVU Institute of Technology, with additional goals under development for these regional campuses.

Upcoming events include the 20th annual Blue and Gold Mine Sale on May 17 at Milan Puskar Stadium.