University Receives Marks of Distinction for Sustainability

Climate change organization Second Nature recognized GW for its commitments to renewable energy and global climate change mitigation.

December 9, 2019

SEH green roof

The George Washington University this month received several “marks of distinction” awards from Second Nature, the leading climate change organization for higher education in the United States.

The awards recognize higher education institutions for goal-setting, performance and participation in initiatives related to sustainability. In particular, Second Nature recognized GW for its 50 percent renewable energy purchase through the Capital Partners Solar Project, its aggregated renewable energy procurement and its ongoing participation in the “We Are Still In” movement.

Other awardees include Cornell University, Duke University, Georgia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania.

“Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is critical,” said Meghan Chapple, senior adviser on university sustainability initiatives and director of the Office of Sustainability. “Just four blocks away from the White House, GW is standing firm on its commitment to take action on climate change and taking a leadership role in Washington, D.C., through major renewable energy purchases, a fossil free endowment fund and investment in the education of future leaders on the solutions to climate change.”

GW has prioritized sustainability, including committing to solar energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing the amount of waste generated by the GW community. The university is on track to meet its goal of a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and will continue striving to become carbon neutral by 2040.