Radford University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Published in The Path to 2040: The Radford University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Adopted December 2, 2021

GOAL 1
Radford University will develop new curriculum opportunities focused on sustainability and the environment.
Strategies
A. Develop interdisciplinary major, minor, and graduate programs in sustainability and environmental studies.
1. Establish a faculty-led group to develop sustainability focused and related academic programs spanning multiple departments and colleges.
2. Adopt an institutional sustainability learning outcome and encourage program-level sustainability learning outcomes.
3. Hire new faculty to develop and grow programs.
B. Establish a position to formally lead the effort to expand sustainability in academic programs and develop the framework to coordinate multiple levels of research and curricular integration.
1. Coordinate efforts to expand sustainability across curriculum through academic integration and course support.
2. Work with colleges and departments to incorporate sustainability learning objectives in programs and courses.
3. Ensure that every RU undergraduate student engages in coursework with learning outcomes focused on sustainability.
4. Launch a new version of the Environmental Center to focus on expanding and supporting sustainability in curriculum and research.
C. Increase sustainability literacy among Radford University students through academic initiatives that enhance student learning and success.
1. Conduct an annual assessment of the sustainability literacy of students.
2. Conduct a new course inventory for "sustainability-focused" and "sustainability-related" courses.
D. Grow enrollment in existing and new sustainability-related programs.
1. Collaborate with University Relations to develop a public relations campaign that highlights campus sustainability, academic programs, and regional opportunities.
2. Collaborate with the Virginia Community College System to build a transfer pipeline from associate programs.
3. Capitalize on the cultural and recreational opportunities associated with the New River Valley and Appalachian region to attract new students.
4. Label sustainability literacy courses in the course registration system to increase visibility (e.g. Green Leaf).
5. Establish a sustainability diploma designation that recognizes students that complete courses in sustainability literacy.
GOAL 2
Radford University will develop sustainability-focused personal and professional development and engagement opportunities across campus.
Strategies
A. Facilitate opportunities to participate in sustainability-focused, project-based, academic experiences.
1. Formally establish sustainability-focused faculty and staff development opportunities.
2. Support and grow the ECO Living and Learning Community with project-based and experiential learning opportunities.
3. Establish sustainability scholarship and Green Citizen Leader programs to engage students in sustainability projects.
4. Develop volunteer service-learning opportunities for student organizations that align with the curriculum.
5. Support student organizations with sustainability themes.
6. Develop an academic freshman sustainability experience with education of campus sustainability and immersive experiences to build a culture of sustainability.
7. Host short courses or training seminars for community members about sustainable development, environmental stewardship, environmental justice, and other sustainability and environmental topics.
B. Develop a network of internship and volunteer opportunities focused on sustainability and the environment within the University and with local/regional businesses, organizations, and municipalities.
1. Coordinate internships with University facilities and operations offices.
2. Identify non-profit, government, and private organizations to build a repository of internship and volunteer opportunities focused on sustainability and the environment.
3. Develop agreements with local and regional organizations to provide student personal and professional development and engagement opportunities.




GOAL 3
Radford University will build a research and scholarship program focused on sustainability studies and environmental science.
Strategies
A. Foster student and faculty research on sustainability, climate change, energy, environmental change, and environmental justice issues in Appalachia and beyond.
1. Coordinate with Faculty Development, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, and other campus entities to develop scholarship opportunities focused on sustainability.
2. Offer more immersive, sustainability-focused research and outreach programs that are a week or more in length.
3. Establish annual funding specifically to support student and faculty sustainability and environmental research.
4. Establish a Sustainability Faculty Fellows program to build research and mentorship opportunities.
B. Establish a framework for “campus as a living laboratory” for project-based learning in courses and with student organizations.
1. Identify campus locations including Selu Conservancy for long-term living laboratory sites and support development with funding.
2. Identify programs, courses, and student organizations to engage with living laboratories.
3. Develop and support outdoor classrooms and gardens for learning and research.
4. Establish a Sustainability Scholars programs to engage students in sustainability projects including community-based projects in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship.
5. Develop interdisciplinary summer programs at Selu Conservancy to create immersive research and scholarship experiences.
6. Continue to support the Radford Amazonian Research Expedition, Alternative Spring Break to Mountaintop Removal Sites, the Arctic Expedition, and additional similar opportunities for students.
7. Develop new programs in southwestern Virginia and Appalachia to provide regional opportunities to engage in research, scholarship, and outreach.
C. Build connections with federal and state agencies and organizations to create a pipeline of sustainability-focused research and job opportunities.
1. Establish cooperative agreements with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations for internships, volunteer opportunities, and contract work.
D. Make scholarly work open and accessible to the campus community to support universal access to new knowledge and encourage widespread comprehension of sustainability concepts.
1. Offer repository hosting that makes versions of journal articles, book chapters, and other peer-reviewed scholarly works by its employees freely available on the public internet.
2. Promote collections of sustainability resources through collaboration with the McConnell Library.
3. Create a policy or program that helps faculty publish scholarly works via open access or archive final post-peer reviewed versions of scholarly works in an open access repository.

Published in The Path to 2040: The Radford University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Adopted December 2, 2021

GOAL 1
Radford University will enact a comprehensive sustainability outreach and engagement strategy that is integrated throughout a student’s experience or an employee's tenure.
Strategies
A. Communicate sustainability culture, programs, courses, and research to potential new students through focused recruitment strategies and materials.
1. Continue to pursue listing on Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges and promote the University’s Carbon Commitment and STARS Rating.
2. Feature sustainability facts and stories in admissions tours.
3. Create an online sustainability tour for interested students.
B. Integrate sustainability literacy and culture into Quest, orientation, Welcome Weeks, and other first-year experiences.
1. Provide sustainability items instead of normal swag (e.g. reusable bottle for Fill It Forward, reusable utensils and food containers, etc.).
2. Integrate sustainability-related community service projects for all students into Welcome Weeks and other first year programs.
C. Facilitate collaboration among campus partners to develop and implement sustainability education and engagement programs targeting the entire campus community.
1. Increase collaboration between the Office of Housing & Residential Life and the Sustainability Office to enhance sustainability in residence hall operations and programming.
2. Facilitate collaboration with the ECO Faculty advisors to enhance the ECO Living Learning Community with sustainability-focused programming.
3. Identify and evaluate means for funding student-led sustainability initiatives, e.g. a student green fund.
4. Create peer-to-peer sustainability education programs for employees and students, e.g. Green Events Certification, Green Office Certification, etc.
5. Continue to enhance the existing Sustainability Leadership Team internship.
6. Develop a Sustainability Events Committee to collaboratively plan Sustainability Week, Earth Week, and other campus-wide sustainability events.
7. Implement an organized interactive energy awareness program and make it part of standard ongoing operations.
8. Assess campus sustainability culture through a survey or other means.
9. Support integration of sustainability into student organizations.

D. Partner with University Relations to launch a campus-wide sustainability promotion and advertising campaign.
1. Develop campus signage and outreach materials highlighting sustainability initiatives and features and promoting sustainable behaviors.
2. Support the development of a campaign slogan along with a theme, graphics, and key messages.
3. Publish articles, both locally and regionally, on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Create a sustainable living reference guide and educate students about sustainability efforts.
E. Prepare students for a lifetime of sustainability through professional development activities and alumni engagement.
1. Prepare students for sustainability-focused career through collaboration with the Center for Career and Talent Developments.
2. Foster greater interaction between students and professionals who are active in sustainability to help them explore vocational and career options.
3. Evaluate and develop a Graduation Pledge for students committing to be socially and environmentally responsible citizens of the world post-graduation.
4. Engage alumni in ongoing campus sustainability efforts through collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations.
GOAL 2
Radford University will develop connections between campus and the community to address our shared sustainability challenges.
Strategies
A. Explore opportunities for a sustainability-focused community service partnership with the City of Radford and other local organizations. Collaborate to provide service opportunities for students and other community members.
1. Explore food recovery and delivery partnerships with local organizations and collaborate to organize and implement.
2. Explore opportunities for advancing “ReNew the New” or other collaborative, local service initiatives.
B. Explore opportunities for collaboration with other New River Valley institutions of higher education on sustainability-related service projects (e.g. food drives, food recovery donations, tree plantings, etc.).
C. Develop a centralized system for encouraging, supporting, and recording community service for all faculty, staff, and students, including student organizations.

Published in The Path to 2040: The Radford University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Adopted December 2, 2021

GOAL 1
Radford University will pursue net zero carbon emissions by 2040, with an interim target of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below the 2019 level by 2030.
Strategies
A. Replace traditional campus fuels and emissions sources with carbon-free and carbon-reduced fuels and emissions sources.
1. Complete assessment of Scope 1 and 2 campus emissions sources and applicable strategies for reducing or eliminating these emissions.
2. Conduct a feasibility assessment of Renewable Natural Gas and other alternative carbon-free or reduced-carbon steam producing fuels.
3. Monitor campus refrigerant inventory and create campus refrigerant guidelines or Best Management Practices.
4. Conduct air quality testing of boiler plant emissions as well as complete annual tuning of all boilers.
5. Implement projects on campus related to energy storage and/or micro grid technology as identified in assessments and the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.
B. Replace conventional electricity with carbon free electricity.
1. Complete assessment and modeling of renewable energy options and develop a strategy for deployment.
2. Explore collaborative public and private partnerships for renewable energy generation and conservation and efficiency options.
3. Develop and implement utility scale renewable energy procurement to decrease Scope 2 emissions.
C. Convert existing systems or install new systems that reduce or eliminate carbon emissions.
1. Research energy storage (battery) and microgrid technologies.
2. Evaluate feasibility of parking canopy solar arrays in large parking lots.
D. Engage in a carbon offset strategy to eliminate the remaining emissions that are not reached through increased efficiencies, renewable energy generation, or cultural changes.
1. Conduct a certifiable carbon sequestration assessment that will provide the carbon offset value of University properties.
2. Implement certifiable offset strategies for remaining emissions.
E. Develop and implement a Radford University Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.
1. Set on-campus and off-campus renewable energy goals with select strategies to achieve these goals.
2. Evaluate air and climate plans with any new or ongoing capital leases.

GOAL 2
Radford University will increase the sustainability of our buildings with a focus on energy, water, waste, and people.
Strategies
A. Develop construction and renovation standards for buildings.
1. Formalize standards and guidelines for energy efficient design and construction to ensure compliance with VA Energy Conservation Code and targeting LEED Gold certification or better, with a LEED Silver Minimum.
2. Require conversion of controls to Direct Digital Controls (DDC) in renovations or in buildings that have obsolete DDC systems.
3. Formalize standards or guidelines for any capital or renovation projects to consider and implement best practices for intelligent infrastructure; and energy generation in campus buildings.
4. Develop standards or guidelines for capital or renovation projects to consider and implement best practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5. Include Energy Use Intensity targets for all new capital projects and qualifying renovations.
B. Reduce energy and water consumption through increased efficiencies, new conservation strategies, updated operations/processes, and education.
1. Implement monitoring and evaluation programs to quickly identify causes or locations of problems and inefficiencies.
2. Evaluate feasibility of system upgrades and new technologies to increase conservation.
3. Continue to monitor trends in engineering for opportunities to increase efficiency and conservation.
4. Formalize strategies and evaluation of systems which will allow for detailed management of independent fixtures with Building Automation Systems.
C. Develop and formalize building operations and management standards or guidelines.
D. Consider innovative approaches to energy and water conservation in new building design and renovations.
1. When replacing roofs on campus buildings, evaluate solar energy potential.
2. As part of the design process for any new buildings, the design team will provide a cost analysis for Zero Energy Buildings versus LEED Silver and Gold construction.
3. Evaluate building energy, water, and waste plans with any new or ongoing capital leases.
GOAL 3
Radford University will make short- and long-term reductions in energy consumption, focusing on electricity, heating and cooling efficiencies, and innovative solutions for energy intensive spaces.
Strategies
A. Develop an Energy Action Team to monitor building energy consumption, analyze data, and evaluate new strategies to increase efficiency and conservation. Develop an Energy Management Action Plan.
1. Evaluate “Combined Heat & Power” cogeneration opportunities in the boiler house.
2. Evaluate control strategies for overall campus systems (e.g. microgrid, district cooling loops, building utilization, etc).
3. Develop and implement campus temperature set point policy or standards.
4. Develop and implement campus Facility utilization/occupancy scheduling policy or standards.
B. Coordinate with academic departments, labs, and the University Safety Office to develop a "Green Labs Program" and fume hood monitoring program for interested labs to ensure proper functionality and safety.
C. Evaluate building energy plans with any new or ongoing capital leases.
D. Maximize opportunities for energy savings in lighting, including an LED lighting replacement program and installation of vacancy and occupancy sensors in strategic locations.
1. Implement LED lighting replacement program.
2. Install vacancy/occupancy sensors for existing spaces with focus on larger square footage spaces.
E. Design strategy and standards for new construction and major renovations to evaluate the opportunity and feasibility of energy and water conserving technologies.
1. Maximize the use of natural light and use low level ambient lighting with supplemental task lighting as appropriate.
2. Evaluate the opportunity and feasibility of heating domestic water with solar energy or waste heat from other systems in capital renovations and new construction projects.
F. Pursue information technology related power reductions available through technology improvements.
1. Evaluate energy efficiency opportunities with data centers, equipment purchases, and data storage options.
G. Establish Renewable Energy Goals that include energy generation, education, and research.
1. Develop research and education programming around campus renewable energy projects.
GOAL 4
Radford University will enhance the sustainability of the campus grounds and create outdoor spaces that encourage time outdoors.
Strategies
A. Formalize management standards or guidelines for managing campus grounds.
B. Investigate and implement strategies to reduce emissions in grounds and landscaping.
C. Investigate feasibility and benefits of Tree Campus USA and Bee Campus USA designations and apply as appropriate.
D. Establish outdoor spaces to be reserved for classes and events on campus.
E. Investigate feasibility and benefits of establishing pollinator gardens on campus.
F. Launch sustainable garden project, consider feasibility and impacts of garden locations.
GOAL 5
Radford University will reduce and offset transportation-related emissions associated with University operations.
Strategies
A. Create a campus fleet vehicle replacement plan for campus that considers fuel efficiency, fuel type, etc., transitioning towards electric vehicles (EV), hybrid, biodiesel, where possible.
B. Develop and implement a campus EV plan for integration of EV charging stations at prioritized locations and per guidelines from the Commonwealth.
C. Develop a campus bike plan or policy designed to encourage bicycle travel.
D. Evaluate the implications of a campus idling policy and pursue as appropriate.
E. Evaluate participation in public transit, bus, and rail opportunities that provide connectivity to Northern Virginia (NOVA), Richmond, and other population centers.
F. Review public transit routes and usership and enhance as appropriate.

GOAL 6
Radford University will minimize waste through source reduction, landfill diversion, reuse, and education.
Strategies
A. Reduce waste by focusing on source reduction.
1. Continue deploying bottle-filling stations in academic and residential buildings.
2. Use information technology to reduce resource use across campus (e.g. video conferencing, e-documents, etc.).
B. Divert waste materials from the landfill by recycling, composting, or donating.
1. Develop and implement a Waste Reduction Plan with key campus partners that reviews inputs and outputs and identifies waste management strategies targeting landfilled waste.
2. Develop an electronic waste diversion program for employees and students.
3. Formalize standards or guidelines for construction waste streams.
C. Increase education and outreach around waste minimization and recycling.
1. Develop waste and recycling training modules for employees and students.
2. Evaluate “Building Stewards” program as a tool for outreach.

GOAL 7
Radford University will protect water quality in the New River through management of stormwater runoff from campus grounds.
Strategies
A. Maintain a compliant MS4 Stormwater Management program and evaluate new strategies for mitigating stormwater runoff impacts.
B. Evaluate feasibility of a student volunteer monitoring program for MS4. Implement as appropriate.

Published in The Path to 2040: The Radford University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Adopted December 2, 2021

GOAL 1
Radford University will institutionalize and implement sustainability at a high level of the University’s administration and governance to ensure widespread adoption and extensive campus engagement. Strive to support sustainability at every opportunity.
Strategies
A. Formalize the institutional framework for the administration of sustainability programs.
1. Maintain support for the existing Sustainability Office and expand as needed to effectively implement the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Consider adding positions focused on “Academics and Student Engagement” and “Facilities and Operations”.
2. Maintain support for existing Sustainability Steering Committee as a body for institution-wide sustainability coordination.
3. Create a network of sustainability coordinators throughout Divisions and Colleges, hold bi-annual meetings, and establish an email listserv to share and discuss information.
4. Develop a pathway or framework to provide information and feedback to University leadership in order to integrate sustainability goals and objectives into high level, strategic decisions of the University. Consider a leadership council or cabinet-level sustainability officer and other direct reporting strategies.
5. Develop and formalize a list of key sustainability criteria that are consistent with the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan for use in budget and planning processes.
B. Integrate sustainability and climate action into the University's next Strategic Plan.
C. Include sustainability and climate action in the University’s fundraising strategy, e.g. capital campaign and annual giving.
D. Evaluate issues of environmental justice when planning new infrastructure and work with community to develop equitable solutions.
GOAL 2
Radford University will support and collaborate to advance a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan, in accordance with the ONE Virginia Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence.
Strategies
A. Maintain the existing Diversity & Equity Action Committee (DEAC) or other institution-wide body for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
B. Adopt and implement a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan in accordance with the ONE Virginia Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence.
1. Require all students and all employees to participate in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings or activities.
2. Engage in a structured assessment process to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
3. Consider creating training and development programs, teaching fellowships, and/or other programs that specifically aim to support and prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty.
GOAL 3
Radford University will create support programs that improve the affordability and accessibility of Radford University for underrepresented groups, low-income students, and first-generation students.
Strategies
A. Establish and advance the Center for Opportunity & Social Mobility to support first generation students and other underrepresented groups.
B. Evaluate and establish support programs for serving low-income students and other underrepresented groups as feasible, e.g. scholarships, childcare assistance, and food and shelter assistance.
GOAL 4
Radford University will collaborate with Radford University Foundation to encourage and support the transition of Radford University investments to socially responsible, fossil fuel-free investments.
Strategies
A. Establish a committee or subcommittee for investor responsibility that includes faculty, staff, and students to investigate and evaluate sustainable investment opportunities.
B. Encourage the Radford University Foundation to invest in Socially Responsible funds and/or an Environmental, Social, and Governance fund.
C. Consider making a snapshot of investment holdings available to the public.
D. Inquire with the Student Managed Investment Portfolio Organization (SMIPO) about their sustainable investment strategies and/or socially responsible investing. Encourage and support these investments as appropriate.
GOAL 5
Radford University will strive to provide University employees a living wage.
Strategies

A. Make a formal commitment to pursuing a living wage for University employees and contractors.
B. Develop policy or guidelines to provide employees and long-term contractors a living wage.

GOAL 6
Radford University will support and encourage employee health, wellness, and satisfaction through programs, benefits, and other incentives.
Strategies
A. Conduct a survey or other assessment that allows for anonymous feedback to measure employee satisfaction and engagement.
B. Maintain and enhance student and employee fitness and wellness programs and facilities.
C. Evaluate smoking policies and redefine designated smoking areas as necessary.
D. Investigate costs, benefits, and opportunities of providing an employee wellness incentive program and implement programs as appropriate.

From the new Radford University Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023:

Sustainability is one of the University's seven Core Values.

Core Value: Sustainability
We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of our operations and engaging students across the curriculum to learn, discover, and contribute to positive current and future environmental solutions.

The University's Mission Statement concludes with a classic definition of sustainability when it says, "We provide an educational environment and the tools to address the social, economic, and environmental issues confronting our region, nation, and the world".

A designated "Overarching Theme" of the Strategic Plan is "Campus Environment", where the focus is on continued improvement to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and provide a more sustainable campus environment.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values: https://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home/about/mission.html
2018 - 2023 Strategic Plan: https://www.radford.edu/content/strategic-planning/home.html

The Radford University Sustainability Steering Committee (SSC), formed in 2008 at President Kyle’s direction,
developed the following sustainability mission statement that was subsequently approved by the Board of Visitors in 2009.

"Radford University is committed to being a model for sustainable campus practices and policies and recognized for our stewardship of economic, social, and environmental resources and for our academic commitment to sustainability."

In 2020, former President Brian O. Hemphill signed the Carbon Commitment, committing Radford University to pursuing net carbon neutrality by 2040 and to providing students with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the 21st century.