Protect Land and Water

NUMBER	GOAL	BACKGROUND	PROGRESS	LEAD UNIT(S)
#1	Complete evaluation of cleaning/janitorial paper products and increase percentage of third-party certified versions by 5% over FY2024 baseline by FY2026.	WVU has significantly reduced chemical use and now seeks to enhance sustainability by using certified cleaning products without increasing costs. Third-party cleaning certifications evaluate the entire product life cycle, from production and use to disposal and recycling.	In FY2010, chemical use was reduced from over 100 types to under 20.	Facilities Management Procurement
#2	Maintain WVU's 13% tree canopy coverage on campus and plant more canopy tree species than we remove between FY2024 and FY2035.	WVU plants trees annually as part of its Tree Campus USA certification, but many older trees have been lost in recent years. The goal is to maintain canopy coverage through strategic planting.	CY2019: Removed 41 trees; Planted 51 CY2020: Removed 39 trees; Planted 127 CY2021: Removed 27 trees; Planted 52 CY2020: Removed 29 trees; Planted 104 CY2021: Removed 26 trees; Planted 25 Note: Removal and planting records have not yet recorded canopy species vs. other tree species. Tree inventory is tracked by calendar year.	Facilities Management Sustainability
#3	Require low-impact development stormwater management for all projects that affect exterior ground areas greater than 3,000 square feet (where space and geography allow, including parking lot refurbishment) by FY2028.	WVU already employs low-impact development (LID) on many projects. This goal formalizes its use for all qualifying projects, with requirements drawn from existing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations.	FY2015: Swale-style rain gardens installed around the Applied Human Sciences Building. FY2016: Rain garden completed at Agricultural Sciences.	Planning, Design, Construction and Scheduling Environmental Health and Safety
#4	Install water metering on WVU's highest water-using buildings to reduce aggregate potable water use by campus user by 10% from FY2024 baseline by FY2035.	Metering will help detect leaks, provide feedback to campus units and support decisions that reduce water usage.	WVU has identified the Health Sciences Center as the highest volume water user and will start with meter installation at this facility.	Facilities Management
#5	Hire dedicated horticulturist to manage the integrated pest management program and landscape design and maintenance by FY2028.	WVU maintains 900 acres of campus, and maintenance demands have hindered strategic sustainable planning.	FY2018: Hired an International Society of Arboriculture-certified campus arborist. FY2023: All landscapers are registered technicians for pesticide application for turf and ornamental plants. FY2024: WVU certified as a Bee Campus USA by the Xerces Society.	Facilities Management