The University of Richmond actively participates in sustainability initiatives — from a new orchard and food forest in the Eco-Corridor to a 100% renewable electricity commitment. This year those eco-friendly efforts were recognized for the third time with a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, is a self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. This year, the University hired independent contractor GreenerU to perform an external audit before submitting its report.

STARS participants self-report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

“What sets the University of Richmond apart from other campuses is its deep integration of sustainability into everything we do,” said Rob Andrejewski, director of sustainability. "These efforts aren't just driven by facilities staff or certain academic departments. They belong to everyone."

In its reporting, UR shared ongoing projects and highlights, including a 65% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2009 and a significant academic focus on the environment, including faculty research and a new sustainability minor for students.

“Across campus, there are countless ways that students can combine scholarship with real-world environmental stewardship,” said Andrejewski. “Nearly 75 percent of academic departments offer courses related to sustainability, and in an effort to support experiential learning, many courses at UR use the campus as a living lab.”

For example, a class taught by Todd Lookingbill, a professor of geography, environment, & sustainability, integrates service activities with the James River Park System and immersive nature walks on campus along Westhampton Lake and the Eco-Corridor.

“We’ve led the way on several groundbreaking initiatives,” Andrejewski said. “In 2004, we built the first certified green building in Central Virginia, Weinstein Hall. We became the first participant in Virginia’s solar power purchase agreement pilot program. And we were the first university in the Southeast to match 100% of our electricity use with renewable sources.”

The campus commitment to address climate change spans nearly 20 years. UR has been recycling since 1990. “Our Rethink Waste program is transforming how we approach consumption and disposal by pioneering composting, initiating green athletics, and educating on reuse efforts,” he said.

The Eco-Corridor has blossomed into a vibrant space for gardeners, runners, community members, and anyone else looking to connect with nature.

Students have been involved as well. “The Spider Exchange campus store was inspired by a 2018 student-driven initiative,” Andrejewski said. The store allows students, staff, and faculty to reduce waste by obtaining electronics, furniture, clothes, and other gently used items at no cost.

Andrejewski notes that the STARS report showcases the significant progress UR has made toward achieving the goals set out in the campus Sustainability Plan.

“The data for this report was collected through a collaborative effort of many people across UR,” he said. “It tells the story of an entire campus community willing to step up and address one of the biggest challenges of our time.”