The University of Wyoming is working hard to become more financially and environmentally sustainable. Each year we make progress toward that end.
Here is a list of some of our accomplishments to date:
In the 2018-2019 academic school year, the Campus Sustainability Committee set out
to submit our achievements to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System
(STARS), a program from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education (AASHE). Receiving a score of 26.10 and a bronze rating overall, the CSC
is committed to continuing the pursuit of higher ratings and investing in student-led
sustainability efforts. This summer, the CSC will fund two students in projects to
advance our score. Internships are available in Fall 2020-2021 for students interested
in participating in the retrieval of GHG emissions and outreach and communication,
as well as entering new data for AASHE STARS reporting.
The Physical Plant and Facilities Planning have increased energy efficiency across campus by installing new and more efficient windows, heat recovery systems, control valves, motors, and lighting in many of the buildings on campus. Additional projects underway include steam trap upgrades, developing a metering program, installing misers on vending machines, and completing a campus-wide controls system upgrade.
The main goal of sustainable transportation is to meet basic mobility and accessibility needs, in ways that do not degrade the environment. Sustainable transportation is one that is efficient, safe, accessible, environmentally friendly, and affordable.
Facilities Planning, Transit Services aim to help reduce UW's emissions through
Expanded shuttle services to reduce cars on the campus perimeter (Two express shuttle lots located east and south of campus. Shuttle information is available from Transportation Services.
Bike and pedestrian routes
Adding hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet.
As of 2011: The there are 8 electric fleet vehicles and and many can run on flex fuel and six efficient diesel buses were added to the fleet.
The University of Wyoming is researching new transportation technologies that have the potential to improve sustainability of the nation’s transportation systems.
Dr. Zlatkovic, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, is researching the impacts of new technologies on traffic and transit operations and safety. He was a part of the team that developed the Utah Street Connectivity Guide, which explored the ways on how street connectivity can lead to a safer, efficient and ultimately sustainable transportation system. The study related street connectivity performance measures on different levels to the sustainability of transportation networks. The results showed that increased connectivity, especially on the neighborhood level, leads to more sustainable environments. A paper resulted from this study was published in the Sustainable Cities and Society Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2018.12.037.
Dr. Zlatkovic also offers a course in Sustainable Transportation, which at this time is offered only occasionally as a summer course.
The University also has a bike loan program available—the Pokes' Spokes Bike Library. In 2016, UW was recognized as a Bike Friendly Campus by the League of American Bicyclists.
The University of Wyoming requires that all new construction and major renovations strive to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards. The College of Business is certified LEED Gold, the Kendall House is certified LEED Gold and the Fine Arts Building is certified LEED Platinum;visit our LEED page to learn more. ACRES Farm built a passive solar shed in 2011, using mostly reclaimed materials. UW routinely utilizes building materials from demolished buildings, passive solar design, low-flow water fixtures and low-emitting materials. Learn more about LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
From paper and cleaning products to food and food service containers, UW is working to purchase products with post-consumer recycled content and products that are compostable. A contract is in place to purchase 100% recycled content paper products for restrooms in campus facilities, and most departments contract for 30% recycled content paper for office use. Dining Services has worked to increase procurement of locally-grown foods when possible, finding many sources within 200 miles.
UW operates a recycling program and participates in the national Campus Race to Zero Waste competition each year. Recycling continues to increase through the use of additional pickup locations, cardboard-specific dumpsters, and increased pickup frequency. Additionally, UW has in place an Energy Star purchasing policy and construction and renovation purchasing complement LEED standards. Office equipment and furniture is often reused on campus or recycled through local and regional channels. All pre-consumer, plant based food waste is composted at the student-run, on-campus farm, and many of the food vendors on campus utilize compostable food service containers.
Eco-Pokes was a UW Campus Sustainability Committee initiative to provide easy tips for how students, staff, and faculty can reduce their impact on the environment (and wallets). The Committee also provided updates about opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community. Check out our 2015-16 posts on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and alternative transportation below!
Note: Eco-Pokes is no longer an active program. Rather, this page serves as a reference for past Eco-Pokes projects. Some information, such as Transit routes may no longer be up-to-date.
Alternative Transportation: Winter 2015 Eco-Pokes
Did you know that UW is a designated Bike-Friendly Campus? Check out this issue of
Eco-Pokes to learn about bike routes and resources, and a large number of public transportation
alternatives to driving your car to campus or downtown.
Energy Efficiency: Spring 2016 Eco-Pokes
Utility bills are expensive for university campuses, but simple behavioral changes
can make a big difference. Learn what UW is doing to save energy and what you can
do to help.
Waste Minimization: Summer 2016 Eco-Pokes
Landfills are finite—and expensive. This issue provides tips that range from reducing your office waste to hosting a zero-waste event. We also talk about big changes to UW recycling facilities and tell you where to drop off your recyclables.
