Sustainability team provides progress report on institutional sustainability goals and celebrates Sustainability Week
October 20, 2025
Join the WVU Office of Sustainability for a week of events and activities as we work toward a more sustainable future during Sustainability Week (Oct. 19-24).
Sustainability Week is a reflection of WVU’s institutional sustainability goals, launched in April. The set of 20-plus goals aim to reduce waste, protect natural resources, and lower emissions across the WVU System.
WVU continues to make progress on its long-term sustainability goals. Updates are provided for goals online. Highlights include:
Building energy use is being addressed through recent upgrades to Building Automation Systems and more aggressive HVAC scheduling to heat or cool less when buildings are unoccupied.
Energy efficiency initiatives are also advancing, with new standards exceeding ASHRAE code for large projects under review for adoption by the end of 2025.
The University has been steadily reducing the number of fleet vehicles on the Morgantown campus. This change will help lower emissions, decrease fuel and maintenance costs, and support more sustainable transportation practices.
To support waste reduction, a kitchen biodigester pilot is planned for FY2026, testing different methods for expanding composting across all residence halls and retail dining locations by FY2029.
In campus forestry efforts, WVU maintains its commitment to planting more canopy trees than those removed to maintain a 13% tree canopy coverage. Teams planted 23 new trees in 2024 and removed only 13.
Whether you’re already engaged or just beginning to explore what sustainability means, there’s a way for everyone to participate.
Check out the full Sustainability Week schedule and get involved:
All Week: Get caught “green-handed!” Students who are actively “caught” incorporating sustainability into their daily routines, such as using alternative transportation, recycling, or conserving resources, will get a free waterproof sticker from members of the Facilities Operations team.
Monday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Stop by the Mountainlair to test your knowledge on what can and cannot be recycled on campus. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a Camelbak hydration backpack.
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 9-11 a.m.: Work alongside members of the WVU Sustainable Landscapes Committee and First Energy Green Team to revitalize a pollinator garden near the Towers PRT station.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to noon: Help the Tree Campus Committee perform regular tree renewal by planting on campus.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 4-7 p.m.: Work with a crew on Wednesday to help keep the WVU Core Arboretum beautiful!
Thursday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Stop by the Beechurst PRT station to learn how the PRT operates and grab free wayfinding maps that support alternative transportation.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2-6 p.m.: Volunteer to help keep the Monongahela River clean (and have fun while doing it), hosted by the WVU SGA Sustainability Committee and Adventure WV.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 4-7 p.m.: Work with a crew on Thursday to help keep the WVU Core Arboretum beautiful!
Friday, Oct 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Hatfields, Evansdale Café, and Summit Cafe dining halls will feature special plant-based menu options during lunch hours.
To learn more about WVU Sustainability, follow @letsconservewvu on Instagram and X and WVU Sustainability on Facebook.