Washington and Lee University
In 2009, as one of our institutional priorities, we established clear goals for the University's efforts in the area of sustainability. We have been successful in attaining some of these goals. We have, for instance, created an implementation plan to achieve carbon-neutrality not later than 2050 and submitted that plan in 2010 to the Presidents' Climate Commitment.
In addition, in 2010 the Board of Trustees approved issuance of $5 million in bonds to underwrite a series of energy-related projects in support of these efforts, and as a result, we have been able to report significant reductions in electrical, gas, and water and sewage usage.
We are now entering a new phase in these important efforts through a partnership with Energy Education, Inc. a Texas-based firm that has helped educational organizations nationwide reduce energy consumption. Working with Energy Education, we have launched initiatives that will not only help us to become a more sustainable campus but will continue to save money for years to come.
The Energy Education Program is not a short-term "green project." It is comprehensive, rigorous and tailored to us. It involves all members of the University community in changing habits affecting how we use energy resources in each building, office, and classroom on the campus. Through all of our combined efforts, over time, it is predicted that we can reduce our carbon footprint by 30% and save $2 million per year in energy costs.
You are invited to learn more about the Energy Education Program by visiting the Energy Education website. This is an issue of personal importance to me, and I ask you for your support as we work together as a community to reduce our carbon footprint and the costs associated with energy consumption.