Implementation Profile for George Mason University
Submitted on November 15, 2007; last updated on July 26, 2012
Institution Information
| Basic Carnegie Classification | RU/H: Research Universities (high research activity) |
| Control | Public |
| Location | Fairfax, VA |
| Community Setting | Urban fringe of large city |
| USDOE Climate Zone | 4 |
| Current President or Chancellor's Name | Angel Cabrera |
| Current President or Chancellor's Title | President |
| Main Web Site | http://www.gmu.edu/ |
| Sustainability Web Site | http://green.gmu.edu/ |
Implementation Structure
| Implementation Liaison's Name | Margaret Lo |
| Implementation Liaison's Title | Sustainability Assistant Manager |
| Implementation Liaison's Department | Office of Sustainability |
| Format of Structure | Committee |
| Number of Individuals in Structure | 50 |
| Stakeholder Groups Represented | Board, Community Leaders, Alumni |
| Description | An office of Sustainability was formed through the hiring of a Sustainability Coordinator. The Coordinator formed an Executive Steering Committee, a Sustainability Council, and Sustainability Working Groups. Members of all three tiers of the structure will have a role in funding, prioritizing, and executing projects with the greatest impact on our sustainability and climate neutrality. |
Tangible Actions
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1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent. Yes: All new buildings, starting with the 2009 planning year, will be designed and built to a minimum of the LEED Silver standard. |
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2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist. Yes: Through our Design Manual, we are requiring all new equipment purchased (whether in new or existing buildings) be ENERGYSTAR-rated where feasible or available. As per Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Order 54, George Mason is also requiring all new office equipment purchased to be ENERGYSTAR-rated. |
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3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution. No: No information provided. |
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4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution. Yes: Within the Parking & Transportation office, a Transportation Coordinator was hired this year to encourage and provide incentives for commuters to use alternative transportation to get to campus. Mason provides free local bus and shuttle service, including one direct to and from the closest Metro station during peak hours, to the entire campus community. We provide $110 in monthly Metro fare and opportunities for vanpool riding to many faculty and staff. New vanpool opportunities are being targeted to employees residing in the same geographical regions. |
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5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources. No: No information provided. |
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6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested. No: No information provided. |
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7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste. No: No information provided. |