Weber State University has earned Gold-level certification from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, marking a major milestone in the institution's campus-wide sustainability initiatives. The achievement, which covers operations, academics, and community engagement, coincides with a major expansion of solar energy capacity on the university's Ogden campus.
Gold Certification Milestone
The university recently achieved the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Gold certification. According to Weber State University, this recognition reflects sustainability achievements across various sectors, including campus operations, academic programs, campus and community engagement, and administrative planning. The certification also highlights the institution's leadership and innovations in the field of sustainability.
Solar Capacity Expansion
To support the university's 2040 carbon neutral goal, the Ogden campus is significantly increasing its renewable energy production. Construction of a new solar canopy over the paid parking lot in front of the Shepherd Union is nearing completion. This project adds 1,649 new solar panels, which is expected to more than double the current solar capacity available on the Ogden campus.
Once fully operational, this array will bring the campus's total solar capacity to 1,601 KW, a level of power sufficient to run 141 homes. The solar project will also provide electricity to the Shepherd Union and portions of the Student Services buildings. Additionally, the project includes the installation of new electric vehicle charging stations, including specialized stations for ADA parking stalls.
New Community Energy Programs
The university's Sustainability Practices and Research Center (SPARC) has expanded its staff to manage new community-focused initiatives. Izzy Frazier and Andrew Barry have joined the team as Climate Justice Coordinators. Frazier, who holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from Utah State University, is working to develop a program that provides free energy efficiency upgrades to households across Utah.
Barry, who holds a Master's degree in Environment, Development and Peace from the United Nations-mandated University for Peace, is working to identify at-risk communities for home energy audits. These audits are intended to help households reduce their energy costs. Diya Rajya Laxmi Shah has also joined the center as the Student Sustainability Communications Coordinator.
Student Engagement and Academics
Weber State University offers several ways for students to engage with environmental issues through specialized clubs and academic attributes. The university is home to several sustainability-focused organizations, including the Environmental Ambassadors, the Food Recovery Network, and the Garden Club. These groups focus on issues such as air quality, transportation, zero waste, clean energy, water quality, and biodiversity.
Additionally, the university offers a Sustainability (SUS) course attribute. This designation is applied to courses that include a sustainability component and meet at least two sustainability learning outcomes. These courses can cover various topics, including environmental economics and the psychological framing of environmental initiatives. For example, students in Dr. Matt Gnagey's Environmental Economics course (ECON 3300) conducted research on how psychological framing affects contributions to public goods like clean air and protected habitats.
Sustainable Transportation Options
The university also provides various resources to promote sustainable transportation and lifestyle choices. The Ogden Express, an all-electric and emission-free bus line, offers free rides for a two-year period. The line includes stops at the Dee Events Center, the main campus, and several locations throughout Ogden City, including the Weber County Library and McKay-Dee Hospital.
For those driving electric vehicles, WSU provides free charging for up to three hours for students with a WSU parking pass. These stations are located on the Ogden Campus, Davis Campus, and the Community Education Center on 26th and Monroe in Ogden. Students can also contribute to the university's Carbon Offset Fund through their parking pass purchases, with WSU's Energy & Sustainability Office matching all contributions.
Campus Sustainability Events
The university also maintains a schedule of sustainability-themed events, including film screenings at the Wildcat Theater in the Shepherd Union. These screenings, held in collaboration with SPARC, feature documentaries and TED Talks. Scheduled screenings include dates in late September, October, November, January, February, and April.
Other campus initiatives include the Annual Free Swap, which encourages students to donate gently used items to prevent waste. In a previous year, the event re-homed over 2,200 pounds of merchandise, preventing more than a ton of waste from entering landfills.
Long-term Sustainability Goals
As part of its long-term environmental strategy, Weber State University plans to implement additional solar projects over the next 16 years. These efforts are part of a broader institutional commitment to integrate sustainability into all aspects of campus life, from academic research and student life to large-scale infrastructure and community outreach.
