American University
PAE-5: Climate Plan

Carbon neutral by 2020.

Adopted Tangible Actions: 1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent. Yes: Green building policy is in effect. To access policy: http://www.american.edu/policies/upload/Green-Building-Policy.pdf 2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist. Yes: Sustainable purchasing policy is in effect. Policy can be accessed at: http://www.american.edu/policies/upload/Sustainable-Purchasing-Policy.pdf. For specific language documenting the requirement of purchase of EnergySTAR rated products, see policy addendum. 3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution. Yes: Proposed policies are in development 4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution. Yes: The university operates a free shuttle bus service for students, faculty and staff between three campus locations and DC's metro train system. The university operates a fleet of vans and offers a car sharing program (Zipcars) to enable student access to community commercial and volunteer opportunities. In addition, the university offers a bicycle lending program and a car pool matching program (Zimride) to support sustainable university commuting. 5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources. Yes: The university is currently purchasing renewable energy certificates to offset carbon from 25% of campus electrical use and is engineering the installation of a steam turbine on campus to utilize waste heat from the university's central steam plant to produce electricity on campus. 6. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste. Yes: AU participates in the RecycleMania competition. To access RecycleMania profile: http://recyclemaniacs.org/university_detail08.asp?ID=617. Waste reduction measures include: adopting a Zero Waste Policy establishing a campus recycling program establishing a campus surplus exchange and reuse system promoting inter-office reusable envelopes for campus mail replacing paper materials with online alternatives, e.g. new student orientation packet, telephone directory, course catalog, and more discourage unlimited printing in computer labs and copy rooms by charging for copies offering discounts for using reusable mugs in campus dining operations using bulk condiment dispensers instead of single serving packages in dining operations