Virginia Tech
PAE-5: Climate Action Plan

The Energy & Sustainability Committee developed the “Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan (VTCAC&SP)” during calendar year 2008. The Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment (VTCAC) consists of 14 distinct points and it is subset of the overall Sustainability Plan. During the 2009 spring semester the VTCAC&SP was advanced through the Commission on University Support and subsequently to the University Council for review and approval. On April 22, 2009 (Earth Day) the University Council recommended approval of the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment (VTCAC) and accepted the 200-page accompanying Sustainability Plan (VTCAC&SP). On June 1, 2009 the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors unanimously approved the VTCAC and it became university policy (Presidential Policy Memorandum Number 262). During Academic Year 2012-2013 the E&SC conducted a detailed review of the VTCAC and developed a proposed revision. Using the university governance system, the University Council approved the revision on May 6, 2013. Former Virginia Tech President Steger approved the revision on May 9, 2013 (Presidential Policy Memorandum Number 262, Revision 1). The Revision included a Sustainability Definition, Vision, and Mission. See: http://www.it.vpas.vt.edu/docs/sust/op18/PPM262rev1.pdf The Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment Resolution outlines fourteen (14) resolution points. Many of these points establish measurable targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and waste reduction. Additionally, these points establish measurable targets for increases in energy and heating efficiency, transportation efficiency, number of LEED certified buildings, recycling rate, and purchasing of materials with recycled content and/or local and sustainable products. Eight of the 14 points directly address our goal to reduce GHG emissions. They are as follows: 3. Virginia Tech will establish a target for reduction of campus GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 emission level of 188,000 tons by 2050. Interim targets from 2006 emissions of 316,000 tons will be: for 2012, 295,000 tons (on path to 2025 target); for 2025, 255,000 tons (2000 emission level); and for 2050, 38,000 tons (80% below 1990 emission level). 4. Virginia Tech will work toward these emission reduction targets through improved energy efficiency, reduction of energy waste, replacement of high-carbon fuels, and other measures identified in the VTCAC&SP. 6. Virginia Tech will improve the sustainability of its built environment by: a.Achieving LEED Silver certification or better for all eligible and applicable new buildings and major renovations. b.Evaluating the feasibility of LEED for Existing Buildings certification for its existing buildings. 7. Virginia Tech will improve electricity and heating efficiency of campus facilities and their operations by: a.Exceeding the most current version of ASHRAE 90.1 energy performance by 10% for all new buildings and major renovations. Capital budgets should account for future energy price, life cycle cost of building operation, and environmental benefits of achieving this level of performance. b.Improving the heating and cooling infrastructure and operation, lighting efficiency, equipment efficiency, and metering and controls of its existing buildings. 8. Virginia Tech will minimize waste and achieve a 50% recycle rate by 2020. 9. Virginia Tech will: a.Require purchase or lease of Energy Star rated equipment and maximum practicable recycled content paper, in accordance with University Policy 5505, with exceptions for special uses. b.Consider a product's life cycle cost and impact when making purchasing decisions. 11. Virginia Tech will improve transportation energy efficiency on campus through parking, fleet, and alternative transportation policies and practices. The university will continue to implement programs that encourage the use of alternative transportation methods and will continue to implement programs and services that promote eco-responsible fleet management. 13. Virginia Tech will monitor energy use and GHG emissions as well as changing internal and external conditions, prepare an annual 'report card' showing progress towards targets, and periodically re-evaluate targets, making adjustments to targets as appropriate based on changing internal and external conditions and evolving technologies. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Virginia Tech, the Town of Blacksburg, and community was prepared by Professor Emeritus John Randolph and Professor Damian Pitt (Urban Affairs and Planning, College of Architecture and Urban Studies) and their students in March 2008, Please see: http://www.facilities.vt.edu/sustainability/emissions.asp The Office of Energy and Sustainability is also responsible for submitting a sustainability annual report. Progress on meeting measureable goals are contained in each of the past four annual reports (2010-2013). See: http://www.facilities.vt.edu/sustainability/annualRpts.asp

The short-term goals are consistent with is shown for the long-range goals above. The short-term goal for GHG emission reduction is as follows: 316,000 tons will be for 2012.

Virginia Tech Presidential Policy Memorandum #262 Revision 1 dated May 9, 2013: 1. Virginia Tech will be a Leader in Campus Sustainability. Sustainability is an integral part of the fabric of the university as it pursues enhanced economic stability and affordability, diversity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, expansion of knowledge, and education of future leaders. 2. Virginia Tech will represent the VTCAC&SP in the university's Strategic Plan. 3. Virginia Tech will establish a target for reduction of campus GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 emission level of 188,000 tons by 2050. Interim targets from 2006 emissions of 316,000 tons will be: for 2012, 295,000 tons (on path to 2025 target); for 2025, 255,000 tons (2000 emission level); and for 2050, 38,000 tons (80% below 1990 emission level). 4. Virginia Tech will work toward these emission reduction targets through improved energy efficiency, reduction of energy waste, replacement of high-carbon fuels, and other measures identified in the VTCAC&SP. 5. Virginia Tech will maintain a sustainability office to: a.Coordinate programs for campus sustainability, b.Oversee implementation of the VTCAC&SP, c.Monitor annual electricity and other energy use and GHG emissions, and d.Working with faculty and departments, manage a campus-wide student internship and undergraduate research program using the campus as a sustainability laboratory, and e.Coordinate communication regarding campus sustainability initiatives and programs to the university community and external audiences. 6. Virginia Tech will improve the sustainability of its built environment by: a.Achieving LEED Silver certification or better for all eligible and applicable new buildings and major renovations. b.Evaluating the feasibility of LEED for Existing Buildings certification for its existing buildings. 7. Virginia Tech will improve electricity and heating efficiency of campus facilities and their operations by: a.Exceeding the most current version of ASHRAE 90.1 energy performance by 10% for all new buildings and major renovations. Capital budgets should account for future energy price, life cycle cost of building operation, and environmental benefits of achieving this level of performance. b.Improving the heating and cooling infrastructure and operation, lighting efficiency, equipment efficiency, and metering and controls of its existing buildings. 8. Virginia Tech will minimize waste and achieve a 50% recycle rate by 2020. 9. Virginia Tech will: a.Require purchase or lease of Energy Star rated equipment and maximum practicable recycled content paper, in accordance with University Policy 5505, with exceptions for special uses. b.Consider a product's life cycle cost and impact when making purchasing decisions. 10. Virginia Tech will engage students, faculty, and staff through education and involvement to develop and implement innovative strategies for efficient and sustainable use of energy, water, and materials in all university-owned facilities. 11. Virginia Tech will improve transportation energy efficiency on campus through parking, fleet, and alternative transportation policies and practices. The university will continue to implement programs that encourage the use of alternative transportation methods and will continue to implement programs and services that promote eco-responsible fleet management. 12. Virginia Tech will continue to develop and implement innovative sustainability-related academic programs in instruction, research, and outreach, and will coordinate and communicate these programs to the university community and external audiences. 13. Virginia Tech will monitor energy use and GHG emissions as well as changing internal and external conditions, prepare an annual 'report card' showing progress towards targets, and periodically re-evaluate targets, making adjustments to targets as appropriate based on changing internal and external conditions and evolving technologies. 14. Virginia Tech will work to provide funding to support sustainability programs. With regard to all the items in this resolution, major personnel and investment decisions, including capital projects, associated with implementing the VTCAC&SP will be based on a joint review of costs and benefits by university financial and facilities staff and be subject to availability of funds. Sustainability Definition: Sustainability is the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, economic prosperity, and social justice and equity, through action, education, and engagement to address current needs without compromising the capacity and needs of future generations. Sustainability Vision: Virginia Tech serves as a model community for a sustainable society. Sustainability is an integral part of the fabric of the university as it pursues enhanced economic stability and affordability, diversity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, expansion of knowledge, and education of future leaders. Sustainability Mission: The pursuit of sustainability is achieved through Virginia Tech's administration; physical environment and operations; student life and experience; campus culture and behavior; and academic learning, discovery, and engagement.