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National magazine features ASU's sustainability efforts


September 18, 2014

The August 2014 College Planning & Management magazine includes the feature article, “Greening the Desert,” about some of Arizona State University's operational procedures and programs that it employs in pursuit of its climate-neutrality goals.

ASU is working to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions, not including transportation, by 2025, and including transportation by 2035.

The article quotes John R. Riley, ASU associate vice president for business services and the university sustainability officer, who gives insight about ASU’s sustainability efforts in regard to its growth. “Since 2005, we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 15.3 percent, and our landfill waste by 24.3 percent, despite adding 29 percent more space and 33 percent more students,” he said.

Eight sections within the article provide additional details about ASU’s sustainable operational programs, policies and tactics:

solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installations
• biodiesel use in facilities vehicles
• energy performance contracts
the Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund (SIRF)
green labs practices
green purchasing policies
green office certification
• a sustainable design policy

ASU’s day-to-day zero waste efforts that include recycling and back-of-the-house composting at select campus eateries and athletic events were also mentioned in the piece.

“In the bigger picture, our sustainability vision begins with our campus leaders, is supported by our industry partners and is achieved through an everyday, operational approach; all factors working to help ASU achieve climate neutrality,” said Morgan R. Olsen, executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer at ASU.

Article source: College Planning & Management

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