Washington University in St. Louis
EN-5: Outreach Campaign
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Aamna
Anwer Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainabilty |
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at students and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at employees and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Name of the campaign:
A brief description of the campaign:
Green Cup is a four-week energy use reduction competition between residential colleges. Teams compete based on a point system and winners are awarded prizes at the end of February. Standings are published on a weekly basis along with the energy usage data of each residential colleges. Teams are led by the EcoReps.
Student engagement:
Aside from the kickoff and award ceremonies, each residential college also organizes its own kickoff event, which is the opportunity to engage with all the residents. Attendance to these events is a way to earn points. Points can also be earned by taking the sustainability pledge or responding to "green theme quizzes" that are sent out throughout the competition.
Aside from the point system, EcoReps are deeply involved prior to and during the competition to spur a culture of sustainability in their residential colleges. They put up signs by the light switches and in the laundry rooms and distribute educational materials.
More information: https://sustainability.wustl.edu/green-cup-rescollege-competition-returns/
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign:
Method:
Electrical energy use from lights, dryers, laptops, chargers, refrigerators, microwaves, TVs, and other electrical devices is measured over the four-week competition period and compared to a baseline.
Results:
In 2019 (the last time the competition made it to completion), ResColleges collectively saved the equivalent of 1,899,765 pounds of CO2 by reducing their electricity use as compared to baseline measurements.
Name of the campaign (2nd campaign):
A brief description of the campaign (2nd campaign):
Active Transportation Month takes place each April and October and includes events like commuter fairs and free bike tune-ups, along with the seminal Active Transportation Challenge. The events are intended to provide resources and encouragement for individuals interested in kicking the car habit and to promote alternative means of transportation to, from, and around Washington University's campuses. The Active Transportation Challenge offers individuals a chance to try sustainable means of transportation, track their progress in money saved, calories burned, and CO2 saved.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign (2nd campaign):
The platform used for the challenge, WashU Rides (by RideAmigos), will generate a report including CO2 emissions saved. The challenge also generates a spirit of camaraderie around sustainable modes of transportation.
A brief description of other sustainability-related outreach campaigns:
The Sustainability Action Team (SAT) expanded in 2021 from a group that was based solely on the Medical Campus to now include staff across campuses. There are approximately 600 participants in the SAT. Quarterly meetings feature guest speakers and updates about programming from University sustainability staff. More information: https://sustainability.wustl.edu/get-involved/staff-faculty/sustainability-action-team/
During the height of the pandemic, when in-person interaction was very limited, EcoChallenge offered a way to connect with the University community. More information: https://sustainability.wustl.edu/in-celebration-of-the-plastic-free-ecochallenge-community/
Bi-annual electronic waste and paper shredding events are popular events hosted by Sustainability and Information Services. Staff often save up confidential documents and old electronics for months in anticipation for the events. More information: https://sustainability.wustl.edu/calendar_event/e-waste-recycling-and-paper-shredding-event-wusm-2/
At the start of every school year, the Office of Sustainability offers free bamboo cutlery to any students who request it and answer a quick quiz to educate them about waste. Cutlery is also sold the rest of the year and commonly used as a prize during promotional activities. More information: https://sustainability.wustl.edu/get-involved/food-dining/reusable-utensils-for-on-the-go-dining/
As a result of student-led advocacy, plastic straws are only provided upon request in WashU dining outlets. More information: https://sustainability.wustl.edu/students-advocate-for-a-straw-free-campus/
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.