University of Georgia
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

As outlined in Direction VII of the University of Georgia's 2020 Strategic Plan, the University’s mission as a land-grant university is to serve people living and working in Georgia. Following its vision to be a leading university, it is incumbent on the University to provide leadership concerning environmental challenges. First, the University campus should be an example to others in reducing its environmental footprint to the greatest extent possible. This includes efforts to significantly reduce energy and water use, improve air and water quality, provide sustainable food and transportation options, purchase environmentally responsible products and equipment, minimize waste and increase recycling. Second, research generated can be used to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, to increase the reuse of materials, and to continue the search for other methods that will reduce human impacts on the environment.

In the effort to prepare students for effective leadership on campus and beyond, sustainability should be infused into formal and informal educational opportunities throughout the university. The university should demonstrate leadership in sustainable living and learning - contextualizing the local as part of the global in sustainability. It should integrate sustainability into the student experience through curricular and co-curricular means both in the classroom and beyond.

In addition to stewardship of natural resources, the university should strive for managing financial resources efficiently as possible. A sustainable university is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It also creates opportunities for students, faculty and staff to enhance the quality of life throughout their communities (Working Group on Sustainability, 2009; World Commission on Environment and Development). A sustainable university acts as a living laboratory where sustainability is researched, taught, tested and constantly refined. It is incumbent on the university to use resources provided by the people living and working in Georgia and other revenue sources to the maximum benefit to the state. Additionally, the plan calls for a 25% reduction in energy consumption, which would cut out costs and aid the university's bottom line significantly. A strategic priority is also to increase endowments for sustainable activities and promoting campus sustainability efforts.

Leadership in sustainability research, education and service is a hallmark of UGA's 2020 Strategic Plan and the theme is woven throughout the plan. Strategic Direction VII deals directly with improving stewardship of natural resources and advancing campus sustainability.