The Office of Sustainability will develop and manage a strategic plan that will place Howard University among the top sustainable institutions of higher learning in the United States. This will be accomplished by identifying and promoting the growth of "Green" principles and policies that will reduce the carbon footprint of the University while supporting its mission to provide an exceptional educational opportunity. This includes identifying opportunities, developing strategies and implementing initiatives.
Howard University Service Center
2244 10th Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20059
Monday through Friday
8:30 am – 5 pm
1.) Promote University community awareness through education and media
2.) Promote the inclusion of students in the "Greening" process
3.) Develop sustainability partnerships and relationships with other Universities and agencies
4.) Promote mutual sustainability partnerships and relationships with other Universities and agencies
5.) Identify and submit proposals that provide funding for sustainability projects and initiatives
6.) Measure outcomes and impacts of initiatives
7.) Support Howard University Sustainability Council initiatives
Sustainable energy is about finding clean, renewable sources of energy—sources that renew themselves, rather than sources that have negative environmental impact and can be depleted. An example would be transitioning from traditional off the grid electricity to solar power.
Water has three impacts on sustainability that must be addressed. First and foremost is to provide clean water for all. This is essential to healthy living. Second, we need to minimize the use of domestic water. Water waste is expensive and subsequent treatment has significant associated costs and have negative impacts on the environment. Third, there is a need to minimize the negative impacts of stormwater runoff. This water can sometimes be used to help minimize water use like landscape watering and flushing toilets. It also has negative direct impact on the environment if not managed. Runoffs can erode the landscape and wash pollutants into steams and tributaries. The non-porous areas of parking lots and rooftops make this of particular concern in an urban setting.
Promoting the reduction in the use of CO2 emitting modes of transportation by identifying alternative means of transportation. Examples would be promoting the use electric vehicles, encouraging carpooling and shuttle bus riding as well as the use of other modes of transportation like bikes and scooters. Creating a pedestrian-friendly environment is also a focus.
Reduce solid waste on campus with the ultimate goal of a net zero waste campus. This can be accomplished through source reduction, repurposing/recycling as well as composting organic matter.
Promote the development of interior and exterior spaces that are efficient and healthy spaces in which to work, study and live. This can be addressed by adopting the principals and guidelines as provided and/or required by Energy Star and LEED.
