Addressing climate change will take us all — from changes in policy to shifts in behavior, we are in this together. Pooling our action as one community, each using our sphere of influence towards positive change, these goals and strategies are a blend of actions, partnerships and invitations to help us all become more sustainable and tackle climate change.
Through our initiatives, we strive to incorporate the concepts of interconnectedness and systems thinking, and seek to develop a better future by cultivating a healthier community and engaging to achieve global, societal well-being.
65% Waste Diversion
Description: Reduce the volume of municipal waste going to the landfill by 65%.
Champions: Facilities Management, Office of Procurement, Auxiliary Services, Dining Services
Source: Climate Action Roadmap
Plant-Forward Food
Description: Increase plant-based and plant-forward options offered through the university, with an emphasis on sourcing locally.
Champions: Dining Services
Source: Climate Action Roadmap
Green Transit Design
Description: Expand and incentivize green transportation options on and off-campus by collaborating locally and regionally.
Champions: Parking & Transportation, Auxiliary Services
Source: Climate Action Roadmap
Sustainable Procurement
Description: Incorporate social and environmental sustainability as a factor in purchasing practices.
Champion: Office of Procurement
Source: Climate Action Roadmap
Study Abroad Program
Description: Develop resources, procedures and events that allow for students, faculty and staff to plan international travel that enriches through a global perspective, builds positive relationships with host communities, and improves environmental impacts.
Champion: Study Abroad Program
Source: Climate Action Roadmap
Hiring Practices
Description: Offer convenient resources for those that would like to hire employees who apply a lens of sustainability in their area of expertise.
Champion: Human Resources
Source: Climate Action Roadmap
Sustainability Planning
Description: By 2021, William & Mary will evaluate the integration of sustainability efforts across campus, compare the current structure at W&M to that of peer institutions, and make and advocate for recommendations to the president for optimizing administrative and grassroots involvement for a more sustainable university.
Champion: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Procurement
Description: W&M will reduce the ecological footprint of our campus, foster healthy environments, and improve the well-being of our community through reduced resource use and impact, strategic practices, and smart design.
Champions: Office of Procurement
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Transportation
Description: W&M will reduce the ecological footprint of our campus, foster healthy environments, and improve the well-being of our community through reduced resource use and impact, strategic practices, and smart design.
Champions: Parking & Transportation
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Diversion
Description: W&M will reduce the ecological footprint of our campus, foster healthy environments, and improve the well-being of our community through reduced resource use and impact, strategic practices, and smart design.
Champion: Facilities Management
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Food
Description: W&M will reduce the ecological footprint of our campus, foster healthy environments, and improve the well-being of our community through reduced resource use and impact, strategic practices, and smart design.
Champions: Dining Services
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Resource
Description: Grow the W&M green revolving fund to $1 million by 2025, funding cost-saving projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or resource use.
Champions: President’s Office, Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management, Procurement, Finance & Student Transition Engagement Programs
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Buildings
Description: W&M will reduce the ecological footprint of our campus, foster healthy environments, and improve the well-being of our community through reduced resource use and impact, strategic practices, and smart design.
Champion: FPDC
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Communication
Description: We will foster cross-discipline studies and prepare students to be critical, creative, system thinkers through classroom and co-curricular engagement.
Champion: Office of Sustainability
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Grounds
Description: W&M will reduce the ecological footprint of our campus, foster healthy environments, and improve the well-being of our community through reduced resource use and impact, strategic practices, and smart design.
Champions: Facilities Management, Office of Procurement, Parking & Transportation, Auxiliary Services
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Diversity
Description: The climate of a campus influences decision-making from the individual to the university level. We will institutionalize the lens of sustainability at an organizational level, promoting a culture of health and inclusivity key to success.
Champion: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Well-Being
Description: The climate of a campus influences decision-making from the individual to the university level. We will institutionalize the lens of sustainability at an organizational level, promoting a culture of health and inclusivity key to success.
Champion: Wellness
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Programs
Description: The climate of a campus influences decision-making from the individual to the university level. We will institutionalize the lens of sustainability at an organizational level, promoting a culture of health and inclusivity key to success.
Champion: Office of Sustainability
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Orientation
Description: Enhance new William & Mary community members’ exposure to sustainability by 2023.
Champion: First-Year Experience
Source: Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan Involvement
Description: We will foster cross-discipline studies and prepare students to be critical, creative, system thinkers through classroom and co-curricular engagement.
Champions: Dining Services, Office of Community Engagement
Source: Sustainability Plan
William & Mary's Sustainability Plan & Climate Action Roadmap guide how we as an institution intend to tackle the current challenges on climate change, promoting sustainability for public good and producing leaders to serve for a sustainable future. View or print the following university publications, available in PDF format.
