District Universities Commit to Reduce Energy Usage in Buildings as Part of Commitment to Make D.C. the "Greenest College Town in America"

Progress toward Greener D.C. to be tracked on District Government Website

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Universities in the nation's capital are committing to reducing energy usage in buildings by 69,000 MMBtus annually (enough energy to power 720 U.S. households for a year), as part of the District of Columbia Mayor's College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP) to make D.C. the "greenest college town in America."

"I want to commend my colleagues in the Consortium for having the courage to make a public commitment to sustainability," said Meghan Chapple-Brown, director of GW's Office of Sustainability. "As a sector, we hope to continue to offer a model of sustainability innovation for citizens and organizations across the District. Universities tend to have a big impact on climate change through energy use in our buildings, and we challenge other building owners in D.C. to increase energy efficiency."

Today, District Department of the Environment Director Christophe Tulou and Ms. Chapple-Brown announced the energy commitment made by the higher education sector in the District.

Nine universities in the District, including American University, Corcoran College of Art + Design, The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, Georgetown University, the George Washington University, Howard University, Trinity Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia, signed the pledge with D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray in February.  They also committed to improve the District by taking a more sustainable approach to climate change, water systems, waste, green education and training, research and innovation, landscaping, transportation and procurement.

Mr. Tulou also announced that as part of Mayor Gray's Sustainable D.C. Vision which is due to be released on April 24, the District of Columbia has committed to hosting a website featuring the universities sustainability commitments. The higher education sector participants will self-report progress on their commitments over time.

"By working together across government, business and our diverse communities, the District of Columbia is committed to becoming the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the United States," said Mr. Tulou. "We are proud to help District colleges and universities share their sustainability commitments, progress and challenges with the public on our website so that everyone can learn from their experiences and gain from their leadership."

SOURCE George Washington University