The American University Office of Sustainability was founded in 2009 to help meet the university's goal of "acting on our values of social responsibility, service [and] an active pursuit of sustainability."
The office develops and supports campus initiatives that promote sustainability within the campus community.
AU is committed to building and operating spaces that are conducive to living, working, and learning and are environmentally friendly and healthy spaces.
Green buildings reduce their environmental impact through energy and water efficiency, low-impact and healthy building materials, and sustainable operations and maintenance procedures.
American University uses the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system to guide new construction and campus operations. The LEED rating system is a holistic green building rating system that emphasizes both reduced environmental impact and promoting human health. AU has several buildings certified under the LEED rating system.
The design of the Tenley Campus places a high priority on environmentally sustainable development principles. Key components include water and energy efficient systems, sustainable material selection, and interior environments that promote occupant health.
The Tenley Campus construction adheres to the University’s Green Building Policy, which supports the University’s goal of having a positive impact on the environment, as it relates to all university owned and operated facilities.Some of the green features in the Tenley Campus:
- Buildings are located to maximize public transportation options & access
- Bicycle use is promoted through amenities like locker rooms and showers, as well as over 200 bike rack spaces
- Infrastructure is provided for Electric Vehicle charging stations
- Open space on the site is maintained and maximized
- Storm water is managed for quantity and quality using on-site features such as rain gardens
- Light colored roof material is specified to minimize urban heat-island effect
- Buildings will utilize nearly 50% less water than typical buildings of similar size through the use of high efficiency fixtures
- A unique hydronic heating and cooling system will reduce energy consumption by more than 20%
- Construction procedures will divert more than 90% of construction debris from landfills
- Regionally-sourced material will make up at least 20% of the building
- Certified sustainably-harvested wood will be used on more than 50% of all wood on the project
American University is committed to strive for zero waste sent to landfill and incineration.
In 2010, AU adopted a Zero Waste Policy mandating the creation of a team to develop a plan for reducing and diverting 100% of the university's waste stream.
AU collects paper towel waste from all restrooms around campus separately. Student sustainability educators audited the campus waste stream and discovered that paper towels represent 13 percent of AU's waste.
The university is reducing solid waste by replacing bottled water with inline water filters.
In fall 2009, AU eliminated trays in the Terrace Dining Hall, reducing food waste by an estimated 32 percent.
The university reuses and recycles surplus furniture by partnering with several area surplus and reuse centers.
In 2009, the university recycled 43 percent of the solid waste generated on campus by presorting cans, glass, paper, cardboard, plastic bags, batteries, cell phone batteries, cell phones, and fluorescent lights.
We collect and recycle vehicle waste including lubricants, antifreeze, oil filters, tires, and batteries.
University-owned electronics equipment can be recycled bysimply e-mailing AUSurplus@american.edu.
Personal electronics waste can be recycled at our quarterly e-waste recycling drives.
We collect kitchen grease from TDR for recycling.
SDLP was founded to provide a forum for those interested in promoting sustainable economic development, environmental conservation, environmental justice, and biodiversity throughout the world.
A student-run initiative at AUWCL that spans a broad range of environmental issues such as sustainable development; trade; renewable energy; environmental justice; air, water, and noise regulation; climate change and ecology; land use, conservation, and property rights; resource use and regulation; and wildlife, habitat preservation, biodiversity, and animal protection.
Our publication also focuses on reconciling the tensions between environmental sustainability, economic development, ecology, and human welfare.
Email the publication to apply for a staff position, to subscribe, become a translator, or to submit an article!
