Reduce Waste

NUMBER	GOAL	BACKGROUND	PROGRESS	LEAD UNIT(S)
#1	Print 30% fewer pages on campus from FY2022 baseline by FY2028.	WVU's new managed print contract, implemented in FY2024, has already reduced printing across the University. Key measures include reducing devices, implementing secure swipe technology and defaulting to double-sided, black-and-white printing. Non-networked printer supply purchases were also discontinued in Summer 2023.	FY2019: 35 million printouts FY2020: 26 million printouts FY2021: 10 million printouts FY2022: 17 million printouts FY2023: 16 million printouts FY2024: 13 million printouts	Procurement Information Technology Services
#2	Require all newly purchased, typical-use desktops, laptops and monitors to carry a third-party sustainability certification by FY2026.	WVU is already purchasing many certified devices and aims to mandate 100% certification for future purchases. Certifications focus on the full life cycle of the product, from resource extraction to recycling.	As of FY2023, 55% of tech purchases are certified as sustainable.	Procurement Information Technology Services
#3	Require 30% of construction and demolition waste to be recycled for all capital projects exceeding $1 million by FY2027.	WVU has seen varied success in this area due to inconsistent processes. Future efforts will focus on tracking and improving recyclability.	In FY2019, 70% of waste was recycled during the Stansbury Hall demolition and Hodges Hall renovation. Recycled materials included bricks, blocks, structural metal and the basketball floor.	Procurement Planning, Design, Construction and Scheduling
#4	Make composting available in all residence halls and buildings with retail dining locations by FY2029.	A 2017 audit found that 30% of dining hall waste is compostable. A pilot program at Café Evansdale suggests broader implementation is feasible.	FY2022: Composting pilot started at Café Evansdale. FY2023: Composting pilot started at Campus Food Garden.	Sustainability
#5	Eliminate 50% of single-use plastics in dining halls, catering and retail dining locations from FY2019 baseline by FY2035.	WVU Dining has incorporated recyclable materials wherever possible. The transition to compostable to-go boxes will be the most impactful change.	FY2014: Eliminated trays in dining halls. FY2018: Switched from single-serve to bulk condiments. FY2021: Eliminated Styrofoam.	Dining Services
#6	Increase campus-wide diversion rate to 50% from FY2019 baseline by FY2035.	WVU switched to a single-stream recycling system in 2014 and implemented empty-your-own trash and recycling practices. Initial increases in recycling rates have since declined. Enhancing construction and demolition recycling, reducing dining disposables and expanding composting will help achieve this goal.	FY2018 Diversion Rate: 34% FY2019 Diversion Rate: 26% FY2023 Diversion Rate: 23%	Facilities Management Sustainability Procurement