| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.60 |
| Liaison | Jane Stewart |
| Submission Date | March 6, 2020 |
Washington and Lee University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.67 / 2.00 |
Kimberly
Hodge Director of Sustainability Initiatives and Education Student Affairs |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
The Director of Sustainability regularly engages in discussions about local recycling with local officials, Virginia Military Institute, Southern Virginia University, local nonprofits, and the local landfill operators. However, we have not entered into formal arrangements or policies regarding recycling. Additionally, we have begun initial discussions with the City of Lexington to investigate food waste in the area, and have participated in composting discussions with local nonprofits.
We have also had meetings with local officials regarding our Master Plan, which is under development. This plan may have housing implications for the area and construction projects may impact adjacent properties.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
W&L signed a letter of support, spearheaded by Second Nature and Ceres, to endorse Governor Northam's 2018 Virginia Energy Plan. An excerpt of the ask is below:
"As you may know, every four years, the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy produces a state energy plan to lay out the new administration’s vision and priorities for energy in Virginia over the next ten years. The 2018 Virginia Energy Plan provides an important opportunity to set the Commonwealth on a path toward embracing clean energy and driving toward a thriving, low-carbon economic future.
To develop the 2018 Virginia Energy Plan, the Northam Administration is requesting stakeholder input on what should be included and prioritized for the remainder of the Governor’s term and beyond. In addition to holding a series of stakeholder meetings, the Administration is soliciting written public comments until late August. Comments will be incorporated into the Governor’s Energy Plan and translated into policy recommendations and tangible executive actions.
To demonstrate support for the development of a bold vision for clean energy and a low-carbon economy in the 2018 Virginia Energy Plan, Second Nature and Ceres are organizing a sign-on letter for businesses, universities, and healthcare institutions with operations throughout Virginia. The letter, attached, outlines a few high-level recommendations. In organizing these comments, we will demonstrate that a large and diverse portion of Virginia’s economy encourages the state to prioritize the transition to a low-carbon economy."
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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