An Overview

Ms. Kathryn Pohlman, Chief Sustainability Officer

Mr. Roger Shew, Faculty and Co-Chair, Natural Areas Stewardship Committee

Resilience

The Sustainability Office builds

partnerships and collaborations by

aligning efforts and creating a resilient

vision

Vision

UNCW will align its policies and practices with the three

pillars of sustainability –economic, social and

environmental – in order to support innovation and

efficiency throughout the campus, and garner student and community pride that

will lead to a more sustainable campus.

Sustainability Strategic Plan

Infrastructure and Natural Areas

• Develop, construct and maintain campus buildings and grounds with best management practices in water savings, energy reduction, natural areas preservation, alternative transportation and waste diversion.

Education and Research

• Build financial and academic support to encourage research in the field of sustainability

Engagement

• Create enduring, symbiotic relationships on campus and in the community that further a culture of sustainability in our region.

Honors and Rankings

• Attract tomorrow’s students and employees and promote UNCW’s relevant ranking scores, which represent the university’s commitment to sustainability.

Attract and Retain

The Princeton Review survey of prospective students showed that 63% overall said having information about a college's commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school.

From A Hold Harmless Approach to Campus Sustainability

-Dave Newport, LEED AP

UNCW’s Top Sustainability

Accomplishments

Building and Operations

• First school in the UNC system to reach 2015 energy reduction goal of 30%

• Completed two performance contracts, increasing energy efficiency across campus

• Upgrades to LED lighting is complete outside – including the new recreation fields

Natural Areas and Landscaping

• Stormwater mitigation implementation and creation of the Natural Areas Stewardship Committee

• Students plant 200-300 native plants each year with the TGIF funds

Academics and Research

• UNCW Mini-Grants up to $20,000 per semester and Sustainability Minor

• 85% of academic departments have a sustainability-related course offering

UNCW’s Top Sustainability

Accomplishments

Campus Dining

• First Green Restaurant Certification© in the region

• Partnered with New Hanover County to start the municipal composting facility

Alternative Transportation

• First school in the UNC system to implement Bikeshare program

• First to be awarded City of Wilmington’s Commuter Friendly Employer Gold Status

Above and Beyond

• Recycling is now collecting Styrofoam to be recycled at an in-state facility

• Student Sustainability Peer Educator program performs over 40 outreach events each semester

• Weekly Volunteer Opportunity creates partnerships in the community and throughout the campus

Evidence of Excellence

*AASHE STARS is the international umbrella organization for sustainability in higher education

Marketing of Excellence

Practicing Excellence

• Continued commitment to energy and water reductions

• Dedication to the preservation and conservation of natural areas including trees, water, and threatened species

• Integration of policy into processes such as hiring, purchasing, and planning

• Financial support of sustainable growth and infrastructure

Impact

Save money and create efficiencies

Improve the quality of life by creating a healthy and safe environment

Achieve further accolades for UNCW’s work