VCU news

By Amelia Heymann

Virginia Commonwealth University today announced the development of its first ONE VCU Sustainability Plan, which will create a road map for the university and health system to achieve meaningful and impactful environmental sustainability goals. 

“Sustainability improves the quality of our lives and preserves resources for future generations,” said Meredith Weiss, Ph.D., vice president for administration. “Our goal is to develop an inspirational and achievable sustainability plan that represents VCU’s unique culture and vision.”

The ONE VCU Sustainability Plan will be developed in phases over the next 12-18 months and explore existing conditions and opportunities to improve sustainability through university and health system operations, administration, academics and research. 

Engaging and interactive feedback sessions will be offered at every stage of the planning process. Organizers will seek advice on issues such as campus environmental performance, health and well-being, transportation, research and teaching, sustainability policy and more.  

“VCU is fortunate to have community members with a passion for meaningful, sustainable change and we need everyone’s input to guide this important work,” said Shirley Gibson, D.N.P., VCU Health System interim vice president of support services and planning. “We will rely on the input and expertise of our community to develop a holistic plan.”  

The process will be led by the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan Development Committee, which includes university and health system students, faculty, staff and team members. It will be co-chaired by Ann Kildahl, director of sustainability for VCU, and Mark Emery, program director for the VCU Health System Sustainability and Safety Department. Weiss and Gibson will serve as executive sponsors.

Additionally, to support this work, VCU will partner with Integral Group, an internationally recognized consulting firm with experience in sustainability and carbon planning for organizations of VCU’s scale and distinction.

The final sustainability plan will likely include guiding principles, goals, performance indicators to track progress and a comprehensive communications and community engagement strategy to increase awareness of sustainability and inspire action across VCU and the Richmond community.

More information about the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan can be found at https://sustainabilityplan.vcu.edu/.