Implementation Profile for American University
Submitted on September 2, 2008; last updated on August 24, 2010
Institution Information
| Basic Carnegie Classification | DRU: Doctoral/Research Universities |
| Control | Private not-for-profit |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Community Setting | Large city |
| USDOE Climate Zone | 4 |
| Current President or Chancellor's Name | Cornelius Kerwin |
| Current President or Chancellor's Title | President |
| Main Web Site | http://www.american.edu/ |
| Sustainability Web Site | http://www.american.edu/sustainability |
Implementation Structure
| Implementation Liaison's Name | Chris M O'Brien |
| Implementation Liaison's Title | Director of Sustainability |
| Implementation Liaison's Department | Office of Sustainability |
| Format of Structure | Other |
| Number of Individuals in Structure | 15 |
| Stakeholder Groups Represented | Faculty, Students, Executive, Staff |
| Description |
The Climate Action Project Team will develop and manage the universitys climate neutrality action plan, including mechanisms for institutionalization and accountability. The team will report its progress and recommendations to the Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. Its responsibilities will include:
Develop and facilitate implementation of policies and procedures for reducing university emissions and impact on the environment, maximizing social justice and financial responsibility; Establish a target date for achieving climate neutrality; Develop interim targets to track progress toward this goal and produce interim reports on progress, including the required two-year report (5/15/2008 5/15/2010); Determine two-year action items and develop plans for execution and reporting; Complete a green house gas inventory in the first year (5/15/2008 5/15/2009) and implement data collecting and reporting structure to support required annual updates; Initiate actions to make climate neutrality/sustainability an integral part of the educational, professional and living experience at American University; Promote expansion of research or other efforts necessary to achieve climate neutrality; Develop and facilitate implementation of public education and public awareness of AU climate neutrality efforts. |
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: Green building policy is in effect. To access policy: http://www.american.edu/policies/upload/Green-Building-Policy.pdf |
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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: Sustainable purchasing policy is in effect. Policy can be accessed at: http://www.american.edu/policies/upload/Sustainable-Purchasing-Policy.pdf. For specific language documenting the requirement of purchase of EnergySTAR rated products, see policy addendum. |
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3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution. Yes: Proposed policies are in development |
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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: The university operates a free shuttle bus service for students, faculty and staff between three campus locations and DC's metro train system. The university operates a fleet of vans and offers a car sharing program (Zipcars) to enable student access to community commercial and volunteer opportunities. In addition, the university offers a bicycle lending program and a car pool matching program (Zimride) to support sustainable university commuting. |
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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. Yes: The university purchases renewable energy certificates from wind power for 100% of campus electricity consumption. A 33 kW solar pv system is in place on the School of International Service. A Vegawatt is being connected in the Terrace Dining Room to convert waste cooking oil to electricity and hot water. A steam turbine has been purchased to utilize waste heat from the university's central steam plant and co-generate electricity. |
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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.
Yes:
We participate in RecycleMania competition. To access RecycleMania profile: http://recyclemaniacs.org/university_detail08.asp?ID=617. American University achieved third place in the grand champion category in 2010.
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