University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Sustainability Plan—EmbeddingSustainability into the DNA of the Campus

Abstract

UNC is a recognized leader in sustainability (AASHE STARS—Gold campus), leading in the tangible aspects of water and energy conservation with a mature recycling and composting program, sustainable buildings, enlightened food services, and cutting edge research and teaching. The University wanted to take sustainability to the next level and make it part of the campus culture; to change individual behaviors, business practices, and institutional priorities. Widespread engagement up and down the chain and across the campus resulted in a multi-pronged sustainability plan full of actionable ideas for what could be done differently and better at a wide range of scales, from the individual to the class, to the campus, and beyond. The intent is for campus activities to be measured against the “triple bottom line” of environmental, social and economic impact.