Sustainability
The Sustainability Theme saw considerable implementation of action items with notable successes and highlights. The theme was divided into two key pillars: 1) environmental and green initiatives and 2) long-term investment in programs via proper fiscal, financial, and human resources management.
Today, the University heats and cools 50 percent of its buildings with geothermal energy and 50 percent by high-efficiency natural gas boilers. By transitioning to these new energy sources, the University is reducing its annual carbon foot print by 7,500 tons of CO2. Beyond the geothermal initiative, WCU's building projects are designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Many buildings are LEED certified. New construction, including the Business and Public Affairs Center, are LEED certified. Sustainability projects also are underway in transportation, purchasing, solid waste/recycling, dining services, co-curricular education, and public engagement with external stakeholders such as the Borough of West Chester.
Financial and budgeting actions focused on the ongoing need to provide funding and support to the critical academic and infrastructure missions of the University.
