Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 69.75
Liaison Josh Lasky
Submission Date Feb. 23, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

George Washington University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Meghan Chapple
Director of Sustainability, Senior Advisor on University Sustainability Initiatives
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

The university's strategic plan highlights sustainability as a high priority, particularly as an area for the university to model interdisciplinarity in curriculum and research activities.


A copy of the strategic plan:
---

The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:

GW Sustainability Collaborative Strategic Plan which is an internal document provides short-term objectives including:
*A new master degree was proposed in the Plan; a faculty committee has been appointed and is working on developing the program.
*Per the plan, a Food Institute was chartered Fall 2015; a faculty committee is completing work on a charter for the Institute.
*Also per the plan, two new pan-university courses in sustainability were identified; grants were awarded in June 2015 to assist faculty in developing these courses. The courses were launched in Spring 2016-- The Sustainable Plate and the Sustainable City and GW also added Climate Change and Policy.
*A staff need was identified in the plan to assist with student-facing activities, such as degree counseling, internships, and practicum opportunities; this position was approved and an FTE was employed for this role.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:

GW Sustainability Collaborative Strategic Plan which is an internal document provides short-term objectives including:
*The plan identified the goal of increasing competitive grant awards; data were analyzed to understand baseline activities from which to evaluate GW's effort to increase research funding. Second, GW partnered with National Council on Science and the Environment to host the Federal Academic Dialogue to help connect faculty with federal and foundation officers overseeing grant funds.
*A director of research for the GW Collaborative was proposed in the plan; the position has been filled.
*A research project associated with GreenGov was identified in the plan; the Collaborative has established a grant program for faculty to assist this process.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and time frames are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how campus engagement is integrated across two goals, but in fact campus engagement is integrated across seven goals, and they can all be found here. https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf. Goal 6 primarily focuses on aspects of campus engagement.

Target 1.2A Design guidelines around outdoor space that are habitat friendly and promote noninvasive plants Tactic 6) Use the campus as a living laboratory for conducting a campus-wide habitat assessment
Indicator % of university spend on non-invasive and/or native plants

Target 2.1A Offset sq. ft. loss of existing tree canopy and green cover from natural causes or development with new plantings. Tactic 3) Encourage the increased use of public transport by students, staff, and faculty to reduce demand for parking spaces
Indicator No net loss of existing tree canopy and green cover

Target 2.2 Enhance livability of indoor space and increase indoor air filtration capacity Tactic 2) Encourage the adoption of potted plants or other greenery as part of the Green Office
Program
Indicator Plantings in indoor spaces

Target 2.3A By 2025, reduce campus GHG emissions by 54,000 MtCO2e through building energy efficiency and conservation measures. Tactic 5) Install building dashboards and kiosks to encourage behavior change and engage the campus community in energy reduction efforts
Indicator MtCO2e emitted due to on-site building energy consumption

Target 2.4A Establish staff telecommuting policies for offices on each GW campus
Indicator MtCO2e emitted due to student, faculty, and staff commuting
Tactics 1) Promote lower carbon commuting options via incentives such as Capital BikeShare,
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rail and bus lines, carpooling, rideshare etc.
2) Offer programs and incentives to support increased use of telecommuting and alternative work schedule options
3) Use video/teleconferencing options where available for regularly scheduled staff meetings
3) Promote staff air travel purchases via iBuy to enable better tracking of travel expenditures, mileage, and associated emissions
4) Enhance remote teleconferencing and computing capability to reduce air travel demand
5) Use non-stop flights when available
6) Encourage the use of rail for travel within 250-300 miles whenever available

Target 2.7A Draft a sustainable procurement strategy for three major purchase categories (e.g. paper, electronics, water, furniture, food, vehicles, textiles) by 2015
Tactics 1) Engage GW students and vendors in eco-labeling/carbon foot printing project of products sold on campus
5) Adopt paperless initiatives on campus for conferences, events, and meetings
6) Formalize campus-wide reuse program to reduce demand for new equipment and other purchases
7) Implement green purchasing training and awareness program

Target 2.8 Mitigate air travel mileage of GW staff and faculty
Tactics 1) Continue to refine air travel emissions tracking and measuring capability
2) Negate remaining emissions by purchasing credible local offset
3) Promote staff air travel purchases via iBuy to enable better tracking of travel expenditures, mileage, and associated emissions
4) Enhance remote teleconferencing and computing capability to reduce air travel demand
5) Use non-stop flights when available
6) Encourage the use of rail for travel within 250-300 miles whenever available

Target 6.1 Increased campus sustainability programming/awareness and increased access to local
natural spaces for the GW community
Indicator Number of events, Green Grad Pledgees, Campus Survey, Number of Eco-reps, Number
of offices participating in the Green Office Program

Target 6.2 Increase GW community's awareness of and engagement with regional natural areas
Indicator No. of projects/Total Volunteer Hours/No. of partners


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The GW Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy - the university's sustainability plan - specifically calls out the impact the university has on campus, in the community, and globally, and lists various ways the university is committed to engaging the public at all three levels. For example, various goals and targets address public engagement such as Target 4.4: Raise awareness about environmentally-friendly farming and eating practices and Goal 6: Encourage A Connection To The Natural Environment That Helps Enhance Physical, Mental And Social Well-being, And Helps Build A Culture Of Sustainability At GW.

Additionally, measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes for public engagement as related to sustainability are listed throughout the GW Strategic Plan. Sustainability is a stated, integral component of the Strategic Plan, not a one-off. Throughout the plan, the university puts an emphasis on student, faculty, and staff's sustainability projects, research, and programs as a manifestation of the plan since it cuts across disciplines and functions. Sustainability relates to the environmental, social, and economic health on campus, in the community, and globally. The following public engagement objectives address the various aspects of sustainability in practice, research, and teaching.
According to the GW Strategic Plan (which puts a spotlight on sustainability) we will:
- Develop ways to communicate the results of our research more effectively to the general public
- Make GW a leader in shaping the national dialogue in areas of our academic strengths
- Expand our role as a model institutional citizen
- Identify and develop partners locally and around the world where students will spend extended periods of time participating in research or providing service, preferably in contexts where they become immersed in an unfamiliar culture.
- Create on- campus and virtual leadership institutes for alumni and policy leaders that are open to GW students.
- Encourage applied, translational, and policy research and scholarship that provide perspectives on and solutions to significant societal problems through incentives such as enhanced funding for faculty sabbaticals to engage in policy-related or translational research and additional leave for opportunities made possible by the intergovernmental Personnel Act and other government programs.
- Initiate a “reverse sabbatical” program for individuals engaged in policymaking, governance, or professional practice to teach and do research at GW.
- Develop mechanisms to disseminate the results of GW research beyond the boundaries of the academic community to aid in problem solving and effect positive change in the world.
- Encourage schools to adopt small think tanks and integrate their work into our educational and research programs.
- Establish an incubator to translate student and faculty research into private-sector enterprises that can supply goods and services on a large scale.
- Leverage emerging mechanisms for digitizing and disseminating knowledge to more effectively incorporate GW’s libraries into the research enterprise.
secure funds to bring prominent policymakers and writers to campus as guest professors who teach all or part of a course; provide online access to these courses and lectures.
- Create GW-branded policy case studies similar to the Harvard Business school case studies; firmly establish GW’s leadership in this area.
- Continue hiring and retaining a diverse workforce that includes underrepresented groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.
- Encourage faculty and students to engage in research and activities that contribute to the local community, including legal clinics, health care studies, and economic development plans. Enable faculty to engage in research that includes students and local community members.
- Develop reciprocal partnerships with D.C. businesses, governmental agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations, particularly those that support underrepresented groups and at-risk populations. identify and work with local minority-owned firms.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Goal 2 primarily focuses on air & climate. https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Target 2.1 Enhance tree canopy and green cover to help increase sequestration potential and
outdoor air filtration capacity
Target 2.1A Offset sq. ft. loss of existing tree canopy and green cover from natural causes or
development with new plantings.
Indicator No net loss of existing tree canopy and green cover

Target 2.2 Enhance livability of indoor space and increase indoor air filtration capacity
Indicator Plantings in indoor spaces

Target 2.3 Reduce GW's total carbon footprint by 80% by 2040
Target 2.3A By 2025, reduce campus GHG emissions by 54,000 MtCO2e through building energy
efficiency and conservation measures.
Indicator MtCO2e emitted due to on-site building energy consumption

Target 2.4 Increase proportion of commuters using lower carbon commuting options vs. SOVs
Target 2.4A Establish staff telecommuting policies for offices on each GW campus
Indicator MtCO2e emitted due to student, faculty, and staff commuting

Target 2.5 Generate 10% of energy demand through on-site low-carbon technologies by 2040
Target 2.5A Complete a number of new installations of small-scale, on-site low-carbon technologies
by 2015
Indicator kWh output from on-campus renewable generation

Target 2.6 Decrease the carbon intensity of the region’s electricity fuel mix and create a system for
credible, local carbon offsets
Indicator MtCO2e emitted through electricity and natural gas (heating) consumption

Target 2.7 Increase sourcing of lower climate footprint products
Target 2.7A Draft a sustainable procurement strategy for three major purchase categories (e.g.,
paper, electronics, water, furniture, food, vehicles, textiles) by 2015
Indicator % of new contract actions sourcing low-carbon alternatives

Target 2.8 Mitigate air travel mileage of GW staff and faculty
Target 2.8A Implement carbon measuring and reporting mechanism for staff and faculty air travel.
Indicator MtCO2e emitted via air travel


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how buildings are integrated across three goals, but in fact buildings are integrated across many goals, and they can all be found here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Target 1.3 Reduce interior and exterior light pollution from university owned & operated facilities

Target 1.3A 40% of new construction and major renovation projects meet LEED light pollution reduction requirements by 2017
Indicator % or # of new construction or major renovation projects meeting LEED light pollution reduction requirements

Target 2.2
Enhance livability of indoor space and increase indoor air filtration capacity Indicator
Plantings in indoor spaces

Target 2.3
Reduce GW's total carbon footprint by 80% by 2040 Target 2.3A
By 2025, reduce campus GHG emissions by 54,000 MtCO2e through building energy efficiency and conservation measures. Indicator
MtCO2e emitted due to on-site building energy consumption

Target 3.1: 25% absolute reduction in potable water consumption over 10 years from FY08 baseline
Indicator: Total annual water consumption
Tactics: Low-flow fixtures, prioritize WaterSense appliances, etc.

Target 3.3: By 2021 reuse all retained stormwater for grey water systems, cooling towers, and irrigation
Indicator: total stormwater reclaimed
Tactics: New water sourcing technologies in new construction, green roofs, etc.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. The GW Climate Action Plan provides recommendations and examples of changes to reduce energy consumption. Below are examples of how energy is integrated in both plans’ goals and strategies, they can all be found here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf. https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Climate%20Action%20Plan.pdf
Target 2.3: Reduce GW's total carbon footprint by 80% by 2040
Indicator: MtCO2e emitted due to on-site building energy consumption

Target 2.5: Generate 10% of energy demand through on-site low-carbon technologies by 2040
Indicator: kWh output from on-campus renewable generation

Target 2.6: Decrease the carbon intensity of the region’s electricity fuel mix and create a system for credible, local carbon offsets
Indicator: MtCO2e emitted through electricity and natural gas (heating) consumption

Recommendations: Expand IT Systems Enabling Energy Reductions, Target the Equivalent of LEED Silver on All New Buildings, Focusing on Energy Efficiency Points, and Expand Eco-challenge Activities and Energy Efficiency Policies


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Goal 4 primarily focuses on dining services/food.
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Target 4.1 Produce food on campus
Target 4.1A Sell food grown on campus at on-campus venues
Indicator Pounds of food produced on campus

Target 4.2 Engage with on-campus food vendors to encourage sustainable practices
Target 4.2A Certify 3-5 vendors on campus in 2013
Indicator Number of certified restaurants

Target 4.3 Source food from regional sources
Target 4.3A Highlight all food in GW run venues with its producer origin
Indicator % of university expenditure of local food

Target 4.4 Raise awareness about nutrition and environmentally-friendly farming and eating
practices
Indicator Number of awareness campaigns

Target 4.5 Increase transparency of food served on campus
Target 4.5A Conduct “GW Food Footprint” for some products in 2013
Indicator Number of third party certifications used; Results of food sourcing survey

Target 4.6 Integrate food studies into curriculum and research initiatives at the universities
Indicators
Tactics 1) Increase service learning and capstone projects related to global food challenges
available to GW students
2) Launch a GW food institute to encourage interdisciplinary research related to
sustainable food production systems


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Created collaboratively by GW students, faculty, and staff, the Sustainable Landscapes Guidelines provide a framework for understanding the natural spaces at GW. They outline how to review, discuss, and determine improvements to each campus landscape space from an ecological, functional, and aesthetic perspective. The document outlines how best to achieve our ecological goals with respect to a unified campus appearance. Most importantly, the guidelines provide the framework by which to implement changes in the landscape. As opportunities arise to retrofit existing landscape infrastructure, the guidelines tell us where native plants, pollinator species, and beneficial vegetation should be used. This prioritization strongly influences our day-to-day maintenance decisions, and large scale capital projects in the landscape.

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how grounds are integrated across 3 goals, but in fact grounds are integrated across 5 goals, and they can all be found here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.

Target: 1.1 Increase Green Space
Indicator: Total Permeable campus Area

Target 1.2: Enhance the biological richness/diversity of the campus
Indicator: % of university spent on non-invasive and/or native plants

Target 2.1: Enhance tree canopy and green cover to help increase sequestration potential and outdoor air filtration capacity
Indicator: No net loss of existing tree canopy and green cover

Target 3.2: 10% absolute increase in permeable space over 10 years from FY11 baseline
Indicator: Total permeable campus area (in sq. ft.)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how purchasing is integrated across 5 goals other examples can be seen here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.

Target 1.6: Increase sourcing of products that minimize impact on biodiversity and natural space
Indicator: % of new contract actions sourcing low-impact product alternatives

Target 2.7: Increase sourcing of lower climate footprint products
Indicator: % of new contract actions sourcing low-carbon alternatives

Target 3.5: 50% reduction in university expenditure on bottled water over 5 years from FY11 baseline
Indicator: University expenditure from GW Procurement on bottled water

Target 4.3: Source food from regional sources
Indicator: % of university expenditure of local food

Target 5.4: Encourage sustainable practices in our sourced products that reduce waste
Indicator: % of new contract actions sourcing low waste alternatives


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how Transportation is integrated across 3 goals other examples can be seen here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Target 1.1 Increase green space
Tactic Boost incentives and options for public or alternative forms of transit for faculty and staff to reduce parking demand via single occupancy vehicle use
Target 2.1 Enhance tree canopy and green cover to help increase sequestration potential and outdoor air filtration capacity
Tactic Encourage the increased use of public transport by students, staff, and faculty to reduce demand for parking spaces
Target 2.4 Increase proportion of commuters using lower carbon commuting options vs SOVs
Indicator MtCO2e emitted due to student, faculty, and staff commuting
Target 3.3 By 2021 reuse all retained stormwater for grey water systems, cooling towers, and irrigation
Tactic Work with District Department of Transportation to incorporate water saving technologies in public space as part of the landscaping for new projects on campus e.g., plans for larger tree boxes as part of Streetscape.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy, as well as the Zero Waste Plan. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how waste is integrated in two goals other examples can be seen here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Target 3.5 50% reduction in university expenditure on bottled water over 5 years from FY11 baseline
Indicator University expenditure from GW Procurement on bottled water
Target 5.1 Zero Waste, increase recycling, introduce front-of-house composting
Indicator Waste Diversion Rate
Target 5.2 Zero Waste, create regional reuse partnerships

GW published its Zero Waste Plan in Fall 2016. It provides:
1. An overview of GW’s current waste management infrastructure;
2. A discussion of the challenges and proposed methods for achieving the targets
laid out in the GW Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy to become a zero waste institution;
3. University and financial commitments needed to achieve Zero Waste goals; and
4. Appendices.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy and GW Water Plan. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how water is integrated into goals in both plans other examples can be seen here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf and https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GWater%20Plan.pdf

GW Water Plan
Goal 1: reduce potable water footprint
Target: 25% absolute reduction over 10 years from FY08 baseline
Goal 2: Use GW campuses as test beds for new water reclamation technologies to reduce potable water consumption
Target: By 2021, reuse all retained stormwater for greywater systems cooling towers and irrigation

Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy
Target 3.2 10% absolute increase in permeable space over 10 years from FY11 baseline
Indicator: Total permeable campus area
Target 3.4 Encourage watershed replenishment through projects on GW’s campus that qualify for water quality trading schemes
Indicator Number of projects and/or credits achieved
Target 3.6 Increase sourcing of lower water footprint products
Indicator: % of new contract actions sourcing low-water alternatives


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:

- Amount of funding put towards tuition for District public school students and citizens
- Number of hires and retention rates of underrepresented groups, veterans, and people with disabilities
- Establishment of a Student Support Fund for resources for graduate programs, veterans’ support programs, affinity housing, and the Career Center
-https://provost.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs626/f/downloads/Strategic%20Plan.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how investment is addressed:
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Target 7.0: Develop a framework for considering sustainability trends and issues as part of the evaluation of strategic investment opportunities and risks
Indicator: Percentage of investments that is sustainable


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how Health and Wellbeing are integrated across 7 goals other examples can be seen here
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.

Target 1.3: Reduce interior and exterior light pollution from university owned and operated facilities
Indciator: % or # of new construction or major renovation projects meeting LEED light pollution reduction requirements

Target 2.2 Enhance livability of indoor space and increase indoor air filtration capacity
Indicator plantings in indoor spaces

Target 4.1 Produce food on campus
Indicator Pounds of food produced on campus

Target 6.1 Increased campus sustainability programming/awareness and increased access to local natural spaces for the GW community
Indicator: number of events, green grad pledgees, campus survey, number of eco-reps, number of offices in green office program


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Connection to natural areas
Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how connection to natural areas is integrated across the goals
https://sustainability.gwu.edu/sites/sustainability.gwu.edu/files/downloads/GW%20Ecosystems%20Enhancement%20Strategy%202012.pdf.
Goal 6: Encourage a natural urban environment that helps enhance physical, mental, and social well-being
Target 6.1: Increased campus sustainability programming/awareness and increased access to local natural spaces for the GW community
Indicator: Number of events, Green Grad Pledgees, Campus Survey, Number of Eco-reps, Number of offices participating in the Green Office Program
Target 6.2: Increase GW community's awareness of and engagement with regional natural areas
Indicator: No. of projects/Total Volunteer Hours/No. of partners
Target 6.3: Increase GW community's awareness of and engagement with global natural areas
Indicator: No. of projects, Total Volunteer Hours, No. of partners

_____
Biodiversity
Measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes are listed across all the goals in the in GW’s Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy. Each of the seven goals of the plan have sub-goals, targets, and tactics that signal GW is making progress towards the overarching goal. Below are examples of how biodiversity is integrated across the goals
Target 1.4: Research biodiversity in Chesapeake watershed and work with local
conservation/preservation organizations
Indicator: Amount of research funding ($) for biodiversity-related projects
Target 1.6: Increase sourcing of products that minimize impact on biodiversity and natural space
Target 1.6A: Draft a sustainable procurement strategy for three major purchase categories (e.g. paper, electronics, water, furniture, food, vehicles, textiles) by 2015
Indicator:% of new contract actions sourcing low-impact product alternatives


Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:

Sustainability is one of GW's core nine values. GW has a strong culture of sustainability amongst students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and across the administrative functions, academic departments. The ethic among members of the GW community are reflected in the university's values.
https://hr.gwu.edu/gw-values


The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):

GW's definition for sustainability is reflected in the stated vision. GW envisions a future with resource systems that are healthy and thriving for all. This means that GW sees the environmental, social, and economic components are integral to sustainability. The intention is to ensure that resources are equitably provided across all sectors of society and in all generations in a way that creates financial value, as well.


Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) Yes
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:

As part of Second Nature Climate Leadership network, GW made the Climate Commitment, which integrates carbon neutrality with climate resilience and provides a systems approach to mitigating and adapting to a changing climate.

GW is a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, the first official statement made by university presidents, chancellors, and rectors of a commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education.

We Are Still In. In June 2017 George Washington President Steven Knapp joined hundreds of higher education presidents, governors, mayors, businesses and investors in signing a letter saying that they intend to support climate actions to support the 2015 Paris Agreement. The open letter was titled “We Are Still In.”

In 2018, GW joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership. The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that helps increase green power use among U.S. organizations to advance the American market for green power and development of those sources as a way to reduce air pollution and other environmental impacts associated with electricity use. The Partnership currently has nearly 1,700 partners voluntarily using more than 45.5 billion kilowatt-hours of green power annually. As the anchor of the Capital Partners Solar Project, GW signed a 20-year solar power purchase agreement with Duke Energy Renewables and also generates green power on-site through several solar photovoltaic systems. As recognized by the EPA, George Washington University is helping advance the voluntary market for green power and development of those sources.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.