A Sustainability Action Plan defines goals, objectives, measures, and targets that can move an institution or community toward sustainability. The Sustainability Action Plan will fulfill the College’s pledge under the President’s Climate Commitment to chart a course to achieve a climate neutral campus.
Fort Lewis began creating a Sustainability Action Plan in 2007 with its first-ever Sustainability Assessment and Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The assessment allowed the campus to begin a planning process, gathering ideas from across campus and contacting other institutions to understand what the College could achieve in the next five years.
To read more about the planning process, visit the campus sustainability section of the Environmental Center’s website.
In December of 2009, President Bartel approved final changes to the Sustainability Action Plan. You can download the the Executive Summary, Action Plan and Supporting Documents below.
Executive Summary & Action Plan
- Executive Summary
- Complete Action Plan with supporting documents
- Performance
- Stewardship – This section discusses water use on campus, landscaping, and environmental health.
- Consumption – This section covers purchasing, waste, and recycling at Fort Lewis.
- Climate – The climate portion of the plan outlines five-year targets for energy-use, green buildings, and transportation.
- Education and Engagement – This section discusses strategies for education, training, and involvement of campus community
- Service to Region – This portion of the plan discusses how the campus can support sustainability across our region through community-based learning and research and community partnerships.
- Coordination and Support - The final section discusses issues of communication, coordination, and funding to support achievement of the targets in other portions of the plan.
(Note: Where “Low” and “High” targets exist, the College is seeking additional input on which are most appropriate given cost and staffing implications.)
Supporting documents for the Climate Section:
The Climate portion of the plan also included an intensive three-month study of energy and transportation options for the College to achieve carbon neutrality. This 50-year plan has recommended strategies for the College to pursue in both the short- and long-term. To view a roadmap for Fort Lewis to become a climate neutral institution, check out the following documents:
Timeline
- April 6, 2007 - President Bartel signs the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
- Fall 2007 - Fort Lewis completes its first-ever campus sustainability assessment and greenhouse gas inventory
- Spring 2008 - The 3-2-1 Sustainability Initiative generates ideas for the Sustainability Action Plan
- 2008-2009 - Students at the Environmental Center work the President’s Advisory Council on Environmental Affairs to create draft plan
- Fall 2009 - Draft plan submitted to campus feedback
- December 2009 - Final plan submitted to President Bartel for approval