Seeking feedback on the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan draft recommendations

February 20, 2024

Building on VCU’s history of sustainability achievements and initiatives, a team of subject-matter experts and other stakeholders from the VCU, VCU Health and local communities have worked together to create a research-based plan to consider how VCU can better embed sustainability into our culture; how we can restore the the natural environment for our students, patients and community; and inspire sustainability in education, research and healthcare in our community and beyond. 

Over the last two years, we’ve engaged in a planning process that included: benchmarking VCU against peer institutions, researching the current state of sustainability and best practices at VCU and VCU Health, and meeting with subject matter experts and other key stakeholders at the university and health system to chart our path. A large part of this effort is attributed to our five working groups consisting of experts in various fields from across the university and health system who developed goals and strategies. Most importantly, throughout the process, we’ve also engaged with VCU, VCU Health and the local community to learn about priorities and opportunities to weave into the draft plan. 

Next, we’re seeking feedback from the VCU community and the public on our draft recommendations that will form the foundation of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan. 

Tell us what you think about the draft recommendations by completing the feedback form.

Synthetic fibers in the fashion industry: Unraveling environmental impact and the shift toward sustainable clothing 

This blog post was drafted by Orina Chen, a VCU Sustainability intern supporting the development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan and serving as a member of the Environmental Issues Working Group. As a part of her internship, she completed a self-guided research project focused on the topic of her choice and related to the working group she supports.

December 7, 2023

In a world where trends change faster than the seasons, fast fashion has become a dominant force in the global clothing industry. It offers consumers the latest styles at affordable prices, but there's a hidden cost that extends far beyond our wardrobes. 

Fast fashion is characterized by its rapid production and quick turnover of clothing styles, resulting in a relentless cycle of consumption. This breakneck pace has profound ecological consequences, ranging from water pollution to increased microplastic production, and increased textile wastage, all of which affect the environment we live in.

A significant percentage of clothing items now incorporate entirely or partially synthetic materials. According to Earthday.org, in 2020, 62% of all processed fibers produced were synthetic. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, come from nonrenewable resources that have heavily prevailed in the fast fashion landscape. These materials are derived from petroleum-based products and known for their durability, low cost and versatility in manufacturing a wide array of clothing. However, their production involves high energy consumption and releases greenhouse gasses, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. 

One of the many goals of the development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan is to reduce the university and health system’s environmental impact by reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing carbon footprint. Here are some examples of VCU’s current efforts:

• Upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LEDs, installing occupancy sensors to control lighting and HVAC systems, and optimizing building systems for better energy management.
• Aiming to achieve certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for new construction and renovation projects, ensuring they meet stringent sustainability criteria in terms of energy efficiency, water conservation and overall environmental impact.
• Promoting alternative transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions. Initiatives include encouraging biking, walking, scootering, using public transportation and using carpooling services such as RamSafe.

VCU Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising has initiated a new recycling effort called “Pop Up Stop”. Since its April 2022 launch, this platform has united student organizations, community organizations and other university groups to come together to educate and learn from one another about overconsumption and textile waste. Pop Up Stop is an educational and outreach program that aims to inform consumers about the ecological and societal effects of textile waste, as well as ways to reduce overconsumption and redirect textile waste. Its website also offers educational resources and links for those interested in hosting a Pop Up Stop event or collection box.

As we celebrate the upcoming holidays, the season offers an excellent opportunity to lower our carbon footprint. Reducing our carbon footprint, particularly when gifting clothing, involves making conscious choices to minimize waste and prioritize sustainability. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Invest in clothing pieces made from natural, recycled, regenerated or blended fibers. Some natural fibers including organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact.
• Advocate for ethical production practices, fair wages for workers, and a slower fashion cycle that prioritizes quality, durability and timeless designs.
• Support the development and adoption of innovative eco-friendly materials, such as fabrics made from recycled materials.
• Shop second-hand for gifts. It is cost-effective, eco-friendly, offers unique finds, supports local businesses, and adds sentimental value through history, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Educating ourselves and others, making informed choices, and being mindful of our consumption habits can make a huge difference in reducing individual environmental impact. Consider expanding your knowledge about clothing sustainability through these educational resources:

• Fair Trade USA promotes sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers, protects the environment and empower communities through fair trade practices.
• Sustainable Apparel Coalition offers valuable insights into sustainable practices and tools for brands.
• Clean Clothes Campaign is dedicated to improving working conditions and empowering the rights of workers in the global garment and sportswear industries.

Consider supporting and contributing to organizations dedicated to clothing sustainability by volunteering, spreading awareness and participating in campaigns. Here are some organizations dedicated to clothing sustainability:

• Textile Exchange works toward sustainable fiber and materials in the textile industry.
• Greenpeace Detox Campaign advocates for eliminating hazardous chemicals from clothing production.
• Fashion Revolution campaigns for transparency and ethical practices in fashion supply chains.

Remember, every choice matters. By supporting sustainable clothing and educating others, we can drive a positive change in the fashion industry! Be a part of an initiative in creating a greener and more ethical future for fashion.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle on Campus for America Recycles Day

November 15, 2023 | By Elsa Hoppe

Celebrated on November 15, America Recycles Day recognizes the importance and impact of recycling. Throughout the year, recycling contributes to the prosperity and conservation of our environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, saving energy and protecting natural resources. 

The ONE VCU Sustainability Plan aims to minimize VCU’s environmental impact in a variety of ways, including reducing and diverting the waste generated in our facilities. 

VCU and VCU Health’s current recycling successes include:

• VCU Health collects over 65,000 pounds of cardboard recycling monthly. 
• VCU Health’s transition to electronic medical records has reduced paper waste by 25,000 pounds monthly. Also, by reprocessing medical devices, it reduced waste by 3,000 pounds monthly. 
• In 2022, VCU diverted 1.9 million pounds of waste from the landfill by recycling. 

As a member of the VCU community, you can help! Follow these tips:

• Recycle plastic, metal, glass, paper and cardboard items in the blue recycling bins found in offices and common areas on campus (e.g., dining halls and residential halls). If you have a container for non-recyclable trash at your desk, empty it into the nearest “landfill” container in a nearby common area (custodial staff only collects recyclables from blue desk-side recycle containers). 
• Rinse single-use food and drink containers before recycling them. Items that are contaminated with food waste are trash, and cannot be recycled (e.g., greasy pizza boxes). 
• Download, print and post VCU Sustainability’s recycling signage in your residence hall, workplace or anywhere else a reminder is needed.
• Donate everyday items such as school and art supplies, housewares, electronics and more to the VCU Free Store. 

America Recycles Day is an opportunity to affirm your commitment to recycling and support the work of the VCU ONE Sustainability Plan. Making recycling a regular habit and practice promotes campus-wide sustainability! 

Making a splash with World Rivers Day

September 25, 2023 | By Sara Barton

World Rivers Day, founded in 2005, is celebrated across the world on the fourth Sunday of September of each year. In 2022, millions of people in 100 countries participated in events with the collective goal of improving the health and the stewardship of our world’s rivers.

The James River, which is 340 miles long and is fed by 15,000 miles of tributaries, runs through the city of Richmond, less than two miles from many VCU and VCU Health facilities. Members of the VCU community are part of the approximately three million Virginians who live in the 10,000 square mile James River watershed. This means that our actions on and around our campuses impact the river, which itself is the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Among the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan’s guiding principles is “local and global impact," inspiring us to thoughtfully “consider how our plan impacts our mission, local communities, the nation and the world.” VCU has already taken steps to both reduce its potentially negative impact on the James River and support opportunities for positive impacts. 

• The area around the Trani Center for Life Sciences is landscaped using a method called “bayscaping” in which native plants are utilized to decrease the amount of stormwater runoff, reduce the need for fertilizers and support native wildlife. 
• In the academic realm, VCU faculty collaboratively teach an experiential course called Footprints on the James in which students spend five weeks traversing the James River, learning about its natural history, cultural and economic significance, and biodiversity. 
• The VCU Rice Rivers Center not only has LEED-certified facilities and native landscaping, designed to help protect the James River, it also provides a variety of research and participatory opportunities related to the river. Ongoing research and fieldwork at the center includes topics such as air and water quality, fish and avian migrations, and changing sea levels. Those who are not conducting research, but are still interested in learning about and supporting the James, can visit the Center and take part in participatory river ecology projects, such as the Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which returns discarded oyster shells to the Chesapeake Bay to help restore wild oyster populations.

There are opportunities for us to be even better stewards of the James River and its watershed. ONE VCU Sustainability Plan working groups are exploring a variety of potential improvements and innovations, including updating groundskeeping practices and increasing tree canopy, that could help maintain the river’s ecosystem. 

So in celebration of World Rivers Day 2023 — Sunday, September 24 — consider visiting the James River Park System, volunteering with the James River Association, or contacting VCU Sustainability at sustainplan@vcu.edu to let us know how you think VCU could best support the health and resilience of the James River.

Working Towards a Greener Semester

August 17, 2023 | By Atieh Zanganeh

As we gear up for another academic year at VCU, there is no better time to renew our commitment to sustainability. 

Throughout the spring and summer, working groups of subject matter experts have been devising sustainability recommendations for the university and health system that will be incorporated into the plan's initial draft. These working groups are actively engaged in proposing strategies for reducing waste; enhancing health and well-being; furthering biodiversity and campus ecology; weaving sustainability into our teaching, research and innovation; and promoting environmental equity, partnerships and engagement. 

One of the ways we’re already prioritizing sustainability at the university and health system is through waste reduction. Some of our waste reduction initiatives include:

• The VCU Sustainability Free Store will reopen on August 21, which allows students to furnish their residential spaces sustainably with gently-used items donated by the VCU community. 
• VCU Dining offers reusable dishware, provides eco-friendly packaging, and procures some food from a wide array of local farmers, growers and distributors.
• VCU Health has reduced its regulated medical waste volume for eight consecutive years, resulting in a 72% overall decrease in volume. It has also reduced its hazardous medication waste volumes over the past five years, resulting in an 86% overall decrease in volume. The latter earned VCU and the VCU Health the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association’s Innovation Award for Research Enhancement for a Large School. Learn more here.
• The health system reprocesses more than 10,000 medical devices, such as pulse oximeters and ECG leads and cables, each month. Also, it recycles more than one million points of cardboard and paper annually.

Living sustainably by reducing waste is not limited to big actions; small efforts add up, too! 

• Say no to disposable items. Choose products with minimal packaging, ditch a straw or lid, carry your own reusable utensils for eating out, bring a reusable water bottle and fill at refill stations in buildings across campus.  
• Recycle on campus. Become familiar with the recycling guidelines on campus. 
• Compost your food scraps on campus. VCU Sustainability is hosting two compost drop-off sites for the Richmond Compost Initiative, one at the Monroe Park Campus Learning Garden and one at the MCV Campus Community Garden. Learn more here. 

By aligning our efforts with development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future. So, join the movement, get involved and help shape a campus that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

Embracing Plastic-Free July and expanding waste management efforts

July 14, 2023 | By Atieh Zanganeh

Plastic-Free July is an annual global initiative that encourages individuals and communities to avoid single-use plastics for the entire month. Not only does it encourage sustainable living, but it also reminds us of their environmental impact and inspires mindful choices to reduce our plastic footprint.

As a part of the development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan, we will embrace some of the themes of Plastic-Free July as we explore opportunities to improve waste reduction and management on our campuses. Plastic-Free July aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to promote a plastic-conscious university and health system.

The development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan strives to:

• Introduce innovative strategies to enhance waste reduction, recycling and composting initiatives campuswide.
• Minimize our environmental impact and foster a culture of responsible waste management.
• Implement improvements that promote sustainable practices.
• Aim to create a campus environment that actively encourages waste reduction, recycling and composting.

Plastic-Free July is an excellent opportunity to reflect on our individual plastic consumption habits. For tips on plastic reduction and to learn more about plastic free July, follow VCU Sustainability’s Instagram account @vcusustainability.

The development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan is actively committed to promoting environmentally responsible practices and initiatives. Join us in supporting the vital work of ONE VCU Sustainability Plan and together, let's take action towards a greener, more sustainable environment for everyone. 

Protecting pollinators

June 1, 2023 | By Atieh Zanganeh

Pollinators – such as bees, butterflies, birds and other insects – play a critical role in our ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants which allows for the protection of fruits and vegetables. They also contribute to biodiversity, the variety of life in all its forms and interactions. In celebration of Pollinator Week, June 19-25, VCU and VCU Health are highlighting the importance of these essential creatures and the role they play in maintaining a healthy, sustainable environment.

The ONE VCU Sustainability Plan has identified biodiversity and campus ecology as one of its focus areas, recognizing the vital importance of creating a healthy and sustainable environment on our campuses. To achieve this goal, the organization is asking critical questions, such as how to improve the campus ecosystem and give nature the space and protection it needs to thrive within our urban environment. 

Efforts to promote biodiversity and campus ecology are especially critical, as they help support the health and well-being of our campus community. By creating spaces for pollinators and other essential creatures to thrive, the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan will not only support the ecosystem but also create educational opportunities for students, faculty and community members to learn more about the importance of sustainability and the role we all play in creating a healthy and vibrant planet.

The VCU Sustainability gardening program provides pollinators with a place to thrive; and the newly-renovated MCV community garden was designed to be a space that supports pollinators and biodiversity. It also provides a space for community members to gather, learn from and connect with nature as well as supports building more resilient campus ecology. As we continue to face challenges like climate change, building resilience through sustainable practices is more important than ever.

By focusing on biodiversity and campus ecology, we can create a sustainable future that supports the needs of all members of our community. Join us in supporting the vital work of ONE VCU Sustainability Plan and creating a better environment for everyone.

Gearing up for Bike Month

May 10, 2023 | By Atieh Zanganeh

The development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan aims to embed sustainability into the VCU and VCU Health culture and encourage the VCU community to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily routine. One opportunity to be more sustainable each day is to opt for public transportation or biking. 

Give biking a go this month in celebration of National Bike Month, which encourages people to use bicycles as a mode of transportation to get to work instead of driving a vehicle or taking public transportation. Throughout the month, Richmond businesses will host a variety of events. A full list of RVA Bike Month events can be found here.

Bike Month promotes the benefits of cycling for both individuals and the community as a whole. Some of these benefits include reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. By biking to work, individuals can also save money on gas and parking fees, while reducing their carbon footprint.

Bike Month helps raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and encourages people to try it out for themselves. For those who are new to cycling, the event provides an opportunity to learn about bike safety, connect with other cyclists, and gain confidence on the road. Additionally, it can help promote bike-friendly infrastructure and practices nationwide.

VCU spreads this message through its RamBikes program. The RamBikes shop offers free bicycle tune ups and repairs, free commuter bike rentals, and educational programs like repair clinics, learn to ride classes, route planning and more. They are connected throughout VCU and partner with Richmond community organizations and programs, including Mayor's Youth Academy, Youth Bike Club collaboration with Groundwork RVA, and Build-A-Bike program with A Better Day Association.

In line with the encouragement of using bikes as a means to sustainable travel, VCU allows for other alternative transportation options. At no charge, students and employees enjoy unrestricted transportation privileges on GRTC's Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, as well as on local and park-and-go express routes.

Small steps, big impacts

April 13, 2023 | By Atieh Zanganeh

For 52 years, Earth Day has been observed annually on April 22. Since its inception in 1970, it has garnered significant support for environmental justice and preservation. Earthday.org coordinates the global events dedicated to this day, engaging over one billion people in more than 193 countries. The theme for Earth Day 2023 is "Invest in our Planet," which emphasizes the accomplishments of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the crucial need to protect the Earth's natural resources. The values promoted by Earth Day align with the guiding principles upheld by the development of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan.

The ONE VCU Sustainability Plan will promote sustainable action through university and health system operations, administration, academics and research. The plan will advocate for environmental progress and protection. With Earth Day being one of the most important days in which environmental efforts are highlighted, it is an excellent opportunity to bring attention to the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan initiative and our upcoming tabling events. At the events, the VCU community can learn about our progress developing the plan, engage in dialogue about sustainability, and share thoughts about sustainability at the university and health system.

• ONE VCU Sustainability Plan table, April 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., University Student Commons, Floyd Ave. entrance
• ONE VCU Sustainability Plan table, April 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Larrick Student Center, Turpin St. entrance
• ONE VCU Sustainability Plan table, April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Hospital, 1st floor, Gateway Lobby (near Panera)
• ONE VCU Sustainability Plan table, April 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., University Student Commons, Floyd Ave. entrance
• ONE VCU Sustainability Plan table, April 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Hospital, 1st floor, Gateway Lobby (near Panera)
• VCU Employee Benefits and Well-being Fair, May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms

For additional opportunities to get involved in sustainability initiatives at VCU, visit the VCU Sustainability website at https://sustainability.vcu.edu/get-involved/events-volunteer/. 

World Water Day and water conservation at VCU

March 6, 2023 | By Atieh Zanganeh

The ONE VCU Sustainability Plan will create a road map for sustainable action at VCU, including water conservation. As World Water Day approaches, we want to share what VCU is already doing to reduce its water use, and what you can do to reduce your water consumption as well.

Since March 22, 1993, World Water Day has worked to promote global awareness about the billions of individuals living each day without sustainable access to water. Water is a human need and safe water should be available for everyone. World Water Day emphasizes the importance of safe and sustainable water consumption.

There are many ways you can incorporate sustainable water use in your daily life.

• Use a dishwasher. Washing dishes by hand uses an average of 27 gallons of water while an Energy Star rated dishwasher uses as little as 3 gallons.
• Test your toilet. Undetected internal leaks from tank to bowl could waste up to 100 gallons a day.
• Try to minimize water usage and time when taking a shower.
• Take your car to a carwash. Automated car washes use almost 10 times less water per wash than car owners who wash their cars at home.
• Harvest your rainwater and use it to water your indoor and/or outdoor plants.
• Soak pots and pans overnight before washing. This can save up to 147 gallons of water weekly and make hand-washing more efficient.
• Add compost to your yard or garden. Using compost increases the organic matter in soil,  which helps it retain water longer. This ultimately reduces the use of water over time, saving up to 21 gallons of water weekly. 
• Use reusable water bottles. Each disposable plastic bottle requires three times the amount of water it holds to produce it. 

VCU uses water saving techniques in its buildings throughout campus. 

• VCU buildings use low flow toilets, showers and faucets; motion sensor toilets and lavatories; waterless urinals; and front-load clothing washers.  
• There is rainwater capture technology and on-site wastewater treatment at the Walter L. Rice Education Building.
• The bayscape landscaping at the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences.  is a form of conservation landscaping that benefits local wildlife and the James River. Landscapes like these reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants and reduce landscape maintenance costs at VCU by using native plants.

It is important for individuals and institutions alike to contribute to water saving methods as much as possible. World Water Day is a yearly reminder of the importance of water conservation. VCU Sustainability is spreading the message of World Water Day to promote sustainable habits on and outside of the VCU campus. 

As always, we want to hear from you! If you have questions, suggestions or ideas, feel free to reach out via our contact form or email us at sustainplan@vcu.edu.

Looking back and looking ahead

February 9, 2023 | by Molly Case

Looking back on 2022, we accomplished a lot to begin laying the foundation to develop the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan.

• In March, we officially announced the development of the plan.  
• We gathered feedback from the university and health system communities through a survey, which received nearly 1,200 responses, as well as engagement activities, including presentations to numerous groups, 10 interactive events, and more than 60 meetings with faculty, staff and others.
• We set up and met with our executive sponsors and committees to set the stage for the project. 
• Using feedback from the VCU community and our team, we created draft focus areas and draft guiding principles.
• We established the project plan and conducted research that will inform planning, research and engagement efforts. 
• We began seating and meeting with the working groups responsible for studying the current state of sustainability at the university and health system and researching opportunities to incorporate into the draft and final ONE VCU Sustainability Plan.

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for the process, in 2023, we will continue to engage with the VCU community and the working groups will start formulating the details of what will be included in the draft plan.

Throughout the year, we’ll continue to provide updates on our progress. Check back here to find out how it’s going. 

As always, we want to hear from you! If you have questions, suggestions or ideas, feel free to reach out via our contact form or email us at sustainplan@vcu.edu. 

News and announcements

• VCU News, "VCU's first team in federal Solar Decathlon Design Challenge will compete in final round this week," April 17, 2024
• VCU News, "Students, Office of Sustainability celebrate Earth Day," April 26, 2022
• Message to the VCU community, We want to hear from you! Take the sustainability survey. April 19, 2022
• Message to the VCU community, Developing the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan, March 9, 2022
• VCU News, "VCU prepares for a greener future with development of ONE VCU Sustainability Plan," March 9, 2022