ABOUT US

The George Washington University (GW) in Washington, DC, is committed to reducing the human impacts on climate in multiple ways. 

Commitment

President Stephen Knapp and others signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Committment in April 2008.  By April 2009, GW had completed had inventoried its greenhouse gas emissions from its three campuses as well as its leased facilities.  The results of this inventory can be viewed here and will inform the University's carbon neutrality plan, which is scheduled to be completed by May 2010.

Multi-disiplinary research is conducted across several fields of study at GW's multiple campuses.  Research by faculty, staff, and students is conducted on alternative fuels and fuel properties, energy-efficient vehicles, sustainable transportation, green building, green business, climate action, and other related topics.

Education

Students learn about the human impact on climate in environmental, chemistry, business, landscaping, and other courses.  Every year, GW holds a Climate Action Conference at its main campus in Washington, DC, to affirm its commitment to climate action and to educate those within and outside the GW community.  Speakers include GW researchers as well as experts outside of GW.

Policy

GW faculty, staff, and students are involved in designing climate policy at the local, state, and national levels. 

Campuses

GW has undertaken greening efforts on multiple campuses to reduce its energy and overall environmental footprint.  Examples include a LEED-certified building, a green roof on another building, and low-water landscaping with native plants.