On-going Programs
Project Redirectory
Project Redirectory was initiated during the 2003-04 academic year to provide an alternative to disposing phone books and course listing publications in the trash. Several hundred pounds of paper were diverted from landfills thanks to the efforts of students who initiated this project.
Residential Life Recycling
A major challenge that we continually face is that people often don't know what or how to recycle. For the approximately 4,000 undergraduates who live on campus, we're addressing that need by posting educational signs in all trash rooms that specifically say what can be put in recycling bins. Information is also provided about contaminants - those things that should not be recycled.
Recycle-mania
For the second year in a row, Washington University participated in a national friendly competition with several other universities to determine which institution's students did the best job in recycling. The competition showed that we have a long way to go before we can be considered a national leader...or even a runner up! We're committed to doing better next year.
LEED Building Certification
CEQ has long advocated that the University be more creative - and environmentally responsible- in the design of its new buildings. Our efforts paid off in the design of the new Earth and Planetary Sciences Building, which will open for the fall of 2004. The building's design earned a platinum certification for environmentally responsible design and use of construction materials.
Co-op Housing Project
CEQ endorsed the efforts of a group of students who asked the University to create another housing option for students who wished to live in a more environmentally responsible manner. Beginning in the fall of 2004, several students will live in the University's new "Co-Op House" located in the Skinker / DeBalivere neighborhood. They pledge to promote sustainability in all aspects of their residential life.
Past Programs
Environmental Sustainability Colloquium
This spring over 150 people participated in a two day Environmental Sustainability Colloquium supported by CEQ and other campus organizations. Representatives from the National Wildlife Federation and speakers from private businesses provided guidance on how we can take a more responsible approach to building design, management of campus operations, and long range planning.
Get Mugged!
Each year CEQ, in conjunction with Washington University's Dining Services, sponsors a program to provide incoming freshmen with a mug that can be used to purchase drinks (at a discount!) in any campus dining service location, which helps reduce the number of paper cups that usually end up in the trash. Mugs can also be purchased in various dining service locations throughout the year.
Recycling Container Replacement
Thanks to a grant from Student Union and a contribution from the University administration, new outdoor recycling containers were purchased in the spring of 2004 to promote more recycling in an attractive manner consistent with the University's buildings and grounds guidelines. New or additional recycling bins for buildings or offices are available from the Facilities Department and for residence halls from Residential Life.