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Campus Initiatives

Over the past few years, the University of Richmond has made significant advances in sustainability and conservation efforts throughout campus. The Office for Sustainability and President Crutcher have placed an emphasis on achieving a green future for UR and a variety of campus initaitives are working to increase opportunities for Spider engagement in the environment. A list of the Univeristy's many environmental  initiatives are listed below. More information on  UR's environmental efforts can be found here.

Conservation Initiatives:

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  • Envision the James- Envision the James is an on-going conservation and recreation initiative that works with communities and partners in the James River watershed to plan and implement projects that sustain and enhance the region’s natural and cultural heritage, local economies, wildlife abundance, and outdoor recreation assets for present and future generations. At UR, Envision staff work to connct students to real-world experiences related to the James River, including volunteer opportunities, internships, stduent research projects, recreational opportunities and more. For more information, email Regan Gifford at rgifford@chesapeakeconservancy.org or swing by the Envision office, located at 119 Jepson Hall (between the two lecture halls). 

       kW solar energy array on the roof of the Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness. This solar photovoltaic 

       system will generate an estimated 237,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, roughly equivalent to the energy

       needed to power 22 homes. Over the course of a year, the system will have the potential to offset 364,000 lbs. of

       carbon dioxide.

  • STARS Report- The Sustainablity Tracking, Assessment & Rating System Report is a transparent, self-reporting framework that enables the University of Richmond to measure its sustainability performance.

  • Recycling- Recycling has been in place at the University since 1991, beginning as a coordinated effort between the University’s environmental services department and interested students. Today, the University has two dedicated recycling technicians working in facilities, and an extensive recycling program for a variety of materials. In 2009, UR produced 2,038.73 tons of waste, of which 700.39 tons (34.35 percent) were diverted from landfills through recycling and reuse.

  • Green Room Certification Program- The Office for Sustainability has developed a framework for students to follow in order to turn their dorm rooms into "Green Rooms." These sustainable living habits range from Energy Conservation to Waste Disposal and Reducation and other Green Behaviors.

  • Green Office Certification Program- The Office for Sustainability hopes members of the University will take green living outside of their homes and into the work place. Similar to the Green Room Program, the Green Office Certification Program provides faculty and staff members with an action plan to turn their office into an eco-friendly work environment.

  • Office Supply Exchange Program- The Office for Sustainability is home to the University of Richmond Office Supply Exchange (UROSE), which provides campus offices a place to donate and exchange supplies. With this popular exchange program, offices reduce University waste while saving money and space.

  • Sustainability Book Club- The Sustainability Book Club invites UR students, staff and faculty together to create important dialogue on today's most pressing environmental issues.

 

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Sustainability Initiatives:

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  • Solar Array Installation- In March 2016, the University of Richmond rolled out its first renewable energy initiative: solar panels. Partnered with Secure Futures, a solar energy development company, under the Virginia Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Pilot Program, the University has installed a 204.8

Food Initiatives:

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  • Food Recovery Network- The Food Recovery Network is a organization comprised of students dedicated to fighting food waste and hunger by recovering perishable food that would otherwise go to waste from their campuses and communities and donating it to those in need.

  • Food Data Project- The Office for Sustainability is working with Dining Services on a food data project to verify and track the sustainability of all food sold at the University of Richmond. All of the food that enters UR will be evaluated on criteria that benefit the producers, consumers, and community.

Sustainability Commitments:

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  • American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment-  In 2007, then-President Ayers signed the ACUPCC, committing the university to climate neutrality by 2050, ensuring all students are exposed to climate neutrality and sustainability as part of their educational experience, and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. 

  • Talloires Declaration- In 2003, former President Cooper committed the university to ten actions aimed at catalyzing sustainability leadership within higher education: 1) increase awareness of environmentally sustainable development, 2) create an institutional culture of sustainability, 3) educate for environmentally responsible citizenship, 4) foster environmental literacy for all, 5) practice institutional ecology, 6) involve all stakeholders, 7) collaborate for interdisciplinary approaches, 8) enhance the capacity of primary and secondary schools, 9) broaden service and outreach nationally and internationally, and 10) maintain the movement.

  • Talloires Declaration on the Civic Roles and Responsibilities of Higher Education- In 2009, the University of Richmond committed to use the processes of education and research to respond to, serve and strengthen its communities for local and global citizenship, participate actively in the democratic process and to empower those who are less privileged, and strive to build a culture of reflection and action by faculty, staff and students that infuses all learning and inquiry.

  • American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge- In December 2015, President Ronald A. Crutcher signed the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge in support of a strong international climate agreement. The pledge comes in the wake of the successful negotiations achieved at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris. This pledge amplifies the voice of a higher education community that has urged leadership and action on this critical issue. In total, 318 campuses representing over 4 million students have pledged support. 

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