On the Job with W&L’s Compost Crew
The dedicated students on the crew are making W&L a more sustainable place.
sustainability
Energy and the Pandemic
Policies adopted to combat COVID-19 led to novel changes in W&L's energy use in 2020.
W&L Recognized in 2020 Sustainable Campus Index
A publication from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, the Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities.
An Intersection of Interests
At W&L, Katherine Ingram '20 found a research interest—and a future profession—where environmental studies meets economics.
New Classroom Takes Learning Outdoors
W&L's new outdoor classroom, which offers wireless technology, writing surfaces and movable furniture, opened for Fall Term 2019.
In Case You Missed It
Mock Con Sustainability Efforts Continue With Dress Exchange
The Presidential Gala Dress Exchange allowed students to buy and sell formal dresses to wear to the event.
W&L Ranked in Top 100 Schools Nationally for Use of Renewable Electricity
The rankings are based on the amount of renewable energy available per full-time equivalent student.
Mock Con 2020: Seriously Sustainable
For the first time in W&L Mock Convention's 111-year history, sustainability is a key part of the plan.
W&L Updates Climate Action Plan
Washington and Lee University has already exceeded carbon-reduction goals for 2013 and 2020. The latest updates keep the university on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Power of Change
The W&L Village PowerDown Challenge called for students to reduce electricity consumption for a month, and they came through with energy and creativity to win a grand prize that included a therapy dog visit.
The Mighty Mollusk
Chad Ballard III ’06 cultivates a sustainable crop that also nurtures the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
VIDEO: From Seed to Table
At W&L, sustainability starts with a seed and blossoms into sea change. Take a peek inside our gardening and composting effort to see how it's impacting our community — and the future.
Finding the Spice in Campus Life
Becoming a part of the Outing Club at Washington and Lee completely changed Matt Richards's college experience. "My time with the Outing Club has without a doubt had the biggest impact on my time here," he said.
Exploring Corporate Responsibility
A market research project generated by W&L students is helping a Danish company to align its initiatives with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Where’s the Beef?
Stephanie Lind ’92 is on a mission to change the way people think about and eat meat.
Built from Scratch
As part of an art class, W&L students built the university’s first earth oven, which will be a permanent fixture in the Campus Garden.
Sustainability House Peddles Green Transportation
The house's new Bike Shop offers free and low-cost rentals, lessons on bike maintenance, and opportunities for exploring the outdoors on two wheels.
A Natural Inclination
As a senior ecologist with Trihydro Corp., Jana Heisler White '98 works on environmental protection and remediation.
Quick Hit: Students See Sustainable Farming in Action
During The Leading Edge Pre-Orientation Program on sustainability, first-year students were treated to a visit to Polyface Farms in Swoope, Virginia.
Championing Land Conservation
A passion for the outdoors led Taylor Cole '75 to launch a second career as co-founder of Conservation Partners in Lexington.
From Politics to Park Ranger
Studying the unlikely combination of geology and politics prepared Nova Clarke ’96 for a career as an award-winning environmental educator.
Gear Up
Gonz Ferrero ’04 and Lenny Enkhbold ’17 blend their shared concern for the environment with a dash of business savvy to promote eco-friendly outdoor wear.
Office Hours: Professor Sandra L. Reiter
The Darrold and Kay Cannan Associate Term Professor of Business Administration studies what she calls “the intersection of business and the natural environment.” She arrived at that spot after studying engineering, management, business — and philosophy.
Designing for the Future
For award-winning San Francisco architect Olle Lundberg ’75, sustainability is no trend — it is intrinsic to his profession.
W&L’s New Efforts Take Load Off Landfills
Trash-sorting stations, one of the university's newest sustainability projects, send more material to recycling and compost bins instead of to the dump.
Sustainability in Stockholm
During a four-week internship with Enact Sustainable Strategies in Stockholm, Julia Carullo '20 has been inspired by Sweden's dedication to sustainability in business practices.
Campus Garden Plant Sale Scheduled
The W&L Office of Sustainability will hold the sale May 4 and May 11.
Students Hit the Road for Reading Days
During Reading Days, some students went on short trips that complemented the service and learning they experience on campus.
VIDEO: Sustainability Leadership Trip
Students on the Sustainability Leadership pre-orientation trip had a chance to meet local food producers and learn about W&L's commitment to the environment.
W&L Receives Grant to Install New Sub-Meters in Upper-Division Housing
W&L has received a grant to help fund a new sub-metering project in the upper-division housing known as the Village.
W&L’s Sustainability Efforts Earn Silver Rating
W&L increases its STARS sustainability rating from a bronze to a silver.
Tessa Horan’s Passion for the Environment
Meet Tessa Horan '18, a pre-med, self-proclaimed "tree-hugger" with big plans for making the university - and the world - a little greener.
Planting Seeds for a Sustainable Future
Taking part in the Sustainability Leadership Pre-Orientation Program allowed a group of Washington and Lee first-years to understand the many facets of creating and supporting sustainable communities.
Student Sustainability Projects: Many Shades of Green
New student-sourced sustainability initiatives get the green light on campus.
In Action: The Compost Crew
Student Group Gets Messy for the Environment.
W&L, VMI Share Conservation Award
The Garden Club of Virginia has awarded its 2015 Elizabeth Cabell Dugdale Award for Meritorious Achievement in Conservation to Washington and Lee University.
Eat Fresh: The Campus Garden
An emphasis on sustainable farming is helping W&L's Campus Garden deliver even more fresh produce straight to students' tables.
Jerry Greenfield, of Ben & Jerry's Fame, to Speak at W&L
Jerry Greenfield, of Ben and Jerry's ice cream fame, will speak at Washington and Lee University on March 23 at 7 p.m. in Evans Hall. The event, sponsored by Contact, is co-sponsored by the J. Lawrence Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship, the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Student Affairs.
Jane Goodall to Speak at Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee's Contact Committee will present Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, who will speak on Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Chapel. The title of Goodall's talk is "Sowing the Seeds of Hope."
Washington and Lee Launches Green Office Initiative
Washington and Lee University is kicking off the Green Office Initiative to encourage staff, faculty and students to practice sound environmental practices in their offices, classrooms and residence halls.
Sigma Nu Fraternity Wins Power-Down Competition
When other competitors in the Spring Power Down Challenge at Washington and Lee University started to gain on the Sigma Nu fraternity, members turned to drastic measures by opting to live in the dark.
W&L's Energy Education Program Saves Money, Reduces Carbon Footprint
Washington and Lee's year-old Energy Education Program aims to change habits of the University community in order to conserve energy.
W&L's Kahn to Discuss Energy Future
James R. Kahn, the John F. Hendon Professor of Economics at Washington and Lee University, will discuss “Guidelines for Thinking About Our Energy Future.” in a public lecture on Thursday, March 22, at 5:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium of the Leyburn Library.
Drink Local Water
W&L's University Sustainability Committee (USC) has provided all new students — both undergraduate and law — with a stainless-steel water bottle, emblazoned with a "Drink Local Water" logo, as part of the committee's promotion of sustainability on the Washington and Lee campus. The USC aims to educate not only entering students but also returning students, faculty and staff about the advantages […]
Washington and Lee to Install Virginia's Largest Solar Energy System
Washington and Lee signed an agreement with Secure Futures L.L.C., a solar-energy developer based in Staunton, Va., today to install two solar photovoltaic arrays, totaling approximately 450 kilowatts, at two separate locations on the University's campus. The first solar array, with a capacity of 120 kilowatts, will be installed on a canopy to be constructed […]
