Sustainability
Weber State University employees take part in environmental sustainability initiatives daily.
WSU’s innovative financing to promote sustainability received special commendation in 2012 from the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) leadership. The ACUPCC is an agreement between nearly 700 colleges and universities to promote sustainability through teaching and action.
In 2009 WSU’s Board of Trustees granted authorization for a "drawing-account" of up to $5 million for energy-conservation projects across campus. In all, WSU anticipates the green-revolving fund will facilitate $9 million of energy-oriented capital.
The savings have been ongoing with the installation of solar panels on several major buildings, upgrade of underground steam tunnels and replacement of all interior and exterior lighting with high-efficiency fluorescent lighting.
WSU's strong commitment to sustainability has yielded a carbon footprint reduction equivalent to taking 1,877 vehicles off the road while saving a total of $3.1 million in avoided utility costs over the past four years. With the aid of the revolving fund, the university is committed to a 40% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2027. WSU has the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and is on track to reach that goal a decade ahead of time.
For its sustainability efforts, WSU has been recognized by the Princeton Review, Rocky Mountain Power, the Arbor Day Foundation and the Sierra Club.