Lower Emissions

NUMBER	GOAL	BACKGROUND	PROGRESS	LEAD UNIT(S)
#1	Increase efficiency of the University's steam use by 15% from FY2024 baseline by FY2030.	WVU pays a lower tariff rate for power, making renewable energy payback longer. Focusing on making existing power sources more efficient will result in lower emissions and costs.	WVU is evaluating options for steam production beyond its current contract, which expires in 2029.	Facilities Management
#2	Create energy efficiency requirements for all new buildings and renovations exceeding $5 million by FY2025 and implement them in FY2027.	WVU is focusing on impactful construction standards as an alternative to the broader U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification.	FY2009: Oglebay Hall renovation achieved LEED certification. FY2010: LEED-equivalent standards added to WVU Construction Guidelines. FY2023: Reynolds Hall completed as LEED-equivalent.	Planning, Design, Construction and Scheduling
#3	Reduce WVU’s total building energy usage by 5% per square foot from FY2024 baseline by FY2035.	Performance contracting has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 600 million pounds since 2006. Continuous commissioning will further enhance efficiency.	FY2021: LED lighting upgrades completed at Health Sciences Center.	Facilities Management
#4	Perform life cycle costing on all projects that affect central campus systems/building systems that impact energy and water savings beginning in FY2025.	Life cycle costing looks at costs to acquire, operate and maintain systems. It helps compare long-term efficiency and costs, focusing on water and utility savings.	WVU will begin reviewing capital projects to create a list of applicable project criteria.	Planning, Design, Construction and Scheduling
#5	Reduce WVU’s state-purchased vehicle fleet by 15% from FY2020 baseline by FY2025.	Attention to fleet reductions at the state level prompted WVU to review its vehicles. Fewer vehicles will reduce emissions. WVU has already achieved reductions through voluntary departmental eliminations, mainly in Auxiliary and Business Services.	FY2020: 352 vehicles FY2021: 335 vehicles FY2022: 323 vehicles FY2023: 294 vehicles FY2024: 285 vehicles	Procurement Transportation
#6	Transition 20% of WVU's remaining fleet vehicles to more sustainable options (e.g., electric, hybrid, updating older models, reducing overall inventory, etc.) from FY2025 baseline by FY2032.	Emissions can be reduced by upgrading vehicles, transitioning to lighter-duty models and adopting hybrid/electric options.	WVU replaced a 2001 model bus with a 2024 model that offers triple the miles per gallon (MPG) and cleaner engine exhaust.	Procurement Transportation
#7	Attain Bicycle-Friendly University Gold Status by FY2027.	WVU achieved Bronze status in 2019 and was renewed in 2023. Continuing to improve cycling infrastructure will be key to achieving a higher status.	FY2019: Lane-sharing markings installed on Evansdale Drive. FY2022: Bike storage room built in Reynolds Hall; exterior bike parking added near the Rail Trail.	Sustainability
#8	Increase daily ridership of public transportation by 5% over FY2022 baseline by FY2032.	The PRT system now runs at 98% efficiency after major upgrades. Re-familiarizing students with our reliable transportation options, including the PRT and Mountain Line bus routes, and intermodal connections is key to increasing ridership.	FY2022: 27% daily ridership per capita. FY2023: 32% daily ridership per capita. FY2024: 32% daily ridership per capita.	Transportation
#9	Conduct a commuter survey and implement a transportation improvement program by FY2027.	WVU lacks a clear understanding of its commuter profile. The survey will guide the development of effective programs.	The Sustainability Office will engage students in this effort as a campus-to-classroom opportunity to write, release and analyze the survey.	Sustainability
#10	Include vendor sustainability practices that contribute to WVU sustainability goals as an evaluation for requests for proposals in applicable categories (including sustainable building materials) by FY2025.	Many product categories offer sustainable options. WVU aims to make these a standard consideration in purchasing decisions.	FY2018: Sodexo starts purchasing sustainably-certified eggs and seafood. FY2021: WVU starts using bin liners and paper towels made of recycled materials. FY2024: Many IT products that WV frequently purchases carry sustainability certifications.	Procurement
#11	Offer flexible options to create complete proteins from whole and natural plant-based sources for each meal at all dining halls by FY2028.	Offering more plant-based options is essential to encourage a shift away from meat. This goal focuses on expanding the availability of plant-based choices for students.	A 'Mindful' station is available in all three dining halls, offering a complete plant-based protein meal if students choose all three components. Starting in fall 2024, a vegan breakfast item will be added to the Mindful stations. Tofu is regularly offered, and a vegetarian soup is always available at Adobo Cantina in the Evansdale Café.	Dining Services
#12	Increase purchasing of sustainably and/or ethically produced food from 2% to 10% by FY2035.	Aligning with recent state legislation, this goal emphasizes boosting local and sustainably certified food purchases, especially in high-volume categories.	WVU will work with its dining vendor to monitor food purchases by fiscal year.	Dining Services