Campus Sustainability
Introduction
The UW Tacoma is part of a tri-campus effort to increase sustainability on campus and achieve carbon neutrality. Current efforts include:
- LEED certified buildings on campus
- Newly installed demonstation "Giving Garden" for use in curriculum and community outreach
- Soon-to-be installed rain gardens for stormwater treatment
- Commute alternatives
- U-Pass for students, faculty, and staff
- Faculty and Staff Membership in Tri-campus committees dedicated to Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality
- Signatory to the Presidents' Climate Commitment
- Curriculum throughout various programs on campus relating to sustainability. Examples...
- Sustainability Committee forming Spring 2009 (more details soon)
- Composting Program began March 20th, 2009
- Outreach events dedicated to environmental sustainability, including Earth Week 2009 and the South Sound Sustainability Summit & Exposition
These are just a few examples and only the beginning. Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the conversation and help incorporate even more sustainable practices on campus.
Campus Goals
Goals from 2009 Sustainability Summit:
- Energy Use Reduction
- Improved Community Ties
- Increased Outreach on campus
Goals from 2008 Sustainability Summit:
Goal: Improve Bus/shuttle options
Status: Upgraded flex pass reducing single occupancy-vehicle rate of 18% and vehicle miles travelled is down 20%, created new student commute trip reduction coordinator position, formed new partnerships, and hosted several Commute Trip Reduction Events
Goal: Participate in STARS
Status: Completed AUPCC Implementation Profile for University of Washington Tacoma with plans to participate in future STARS program
Goal: Create a Sustainability Board, Sustainability Coordinator, and incorporate Sustainability into campus policies
Status: Sustainability incorporated into current master plan. Sustainability Board in process, staff and faculty membership on UW Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
and the Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee.
Sustainability Links
- 2008 Sustainability Summit and Exposition Website
- City of Tacoma Sustainability
- Department of Ecology Sustainability
- US EPA Smart Growth
Campus Sustainability Websites*:
- Bates College
- Evergreen
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Tacoma Community College
- University of Puget Sound
* external links