Weber State University is working to achieve carbon neutrality across its campuses by 2040 through its Energy and Sustainability Office, which manages initiatives ranging from green building standards to student-led sustainability programs.
Carbon Neutrality Goals
The Energy and Sustainability Office (ESO) at Weber State University aims to establish the institution as a state and national leader in environmental stewardship. According to the university's Energy and Sustainability Office, the mission of the office is to make campuses sustainable and carbon neutral by the year 2040 by utilizing intelligent business practices.
To achieve these long-term goals, the ESO works to demonstrate that business objectives and environmental goals are not mutually exclusive. The office focuses on pursuing these objectives together to create a sustainable university environment. This mission involves close collaboration with various departments and offices both on and off campus to share and implement best practices for sustainability.
Sustainability Plan Initiatives
The ESO manages several key components of the university's Climate Action Plan and its operations-based Sustainability Plan. These plans include specific goals related to several critical areas, such as sustainable transportation, food sustainability and security, green buildings, and green purchasing.
Additionally, the office oversees initiatives regarding water and grounds management and zero waste efforts. To encourage campus-wide participation, the ESO manages the Green Department Certification Program, which provides incentives for offices and programs that adopt sustainable business practices. The university also utilizes a Green Badge Program to incentivize students, faculty, and staff to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives.
Student Leadership and Resources
Student involvement is a central component of the university's transformational sustainability work. The ESO advises several student-led sustainability organizations, including the Environmental Ambassadors, the Food Recovery Network, the Community Garden Club, and the student chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby.
By involving students in these processes, the university aims to ensure that graduates possess the necessary skills to become future sustainability leaders in their respective professional fields. The university also maintains a Sustainability Map, which serves as a resource for campus users to learn about implemented projects and find ways to become more sustainable.
Intermountain Sustainability Summit
As part of its broader sustainability efforts, Weber State University is facilitating the Intermountain Sustainability Summit (ISS). The university is currently seeking sponsors for the 2027 summit to support sustainability efforts across Utah and the Intermountain West.
The summit is designed to promote learning, sharing, and networking among sustainability leaders, innovators, and emerging professionals. Potential sponsors can use the event to strengthen networks, increase impact, build brand loyalty, and develop new partnerships. The summit also provides opportunities to recruit new professionals and interns, and offers the chance to exhibit at the Eco Expo.
Summit Sponsorship and Support
The 2027 Intermountain Sustainability Summit seeks to align with partners who share a vision for advancing healthy, sustainable, and prosperous communities, particularly regarding climate change, resilience, and regeneration.
To support the summit, the university has listed various past and current supporters, including the Office of the President, the College of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology (EAST), and the College of Science. Other participating entities include the College of Social Sciences & Education, the Stewart Library, the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities, the Goddard School of Business and Economics, and the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions. Additional support comes from Facilities Information Systems and Student Access & Success.
Future Certifications and Leadership
The university's commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its goal to obtain a Gold rating through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) program by the year 2025.
Currently, the Energy and Sustainability Office is led by Energy Manager Justin Owen. While the position of Sustainability Manager remains vacant, the office continues to manage the university's progress toward its environmental milestones.
