Description/achievement of initiative
George Mason University aims to be a leader in strategic research, education and service to promote a more sustainable campus, community and world. Our sustainability projects through 2015 span five kinds of actions -1. Teach sustainable development concepts:We aim to integrate sustainability into both academic and extracurricular programs. 2. Encourage research on sustainable development issues:In research and education alike, we seek an expansion of inter-unit activity involving Environmental Science and Policy, the strong University activities in climate dynamics and earth observation, conflict analysis and communication. 3. Green our campuses:As part of its ACUPCC commitment, Mason aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 4. Support sustainability efforts:The Mason Sustainability Institute provides sustainability-oriented education and skills development workshops for Mason and its surrounding communities. 5. Engage with and share results through international frameworks:
Implementation methodologies
As part of its ACUPCC commitment, Mason aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Our Climate Action Plan commits us to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions at or below 2006 levels from 2012 onward and to decrease energy intensity by 2% per year thereafter. Mason's Office of Sustainability leads in coordination and reporting for both ACUPCC and AASHE initiatives. This office also administers a « Patriot Green Fund » of $100,000 per year to make Mason's campuses more sustainable through facility upgrades or installations and student research projects.The Mason Sustainability Institute provides sustainability-oriented education and skills development workshops for Mason and its surrounding communities. Workshops span topics from solar panel installation to bicycle repair to permaculture. Mason faculty participate actively in environmental governance advisory groups, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, and the MWCOG Climate, Energy and Environmental Policy Committee.Mason spearheaded the first Global Problem Solving Consortium International Conference in March 2012. Eight universities across four continents participate in the Consortium. Mason's Office of Global and International Strategies leads this initiative. We also expect to start participating in the UN Global Compact and UN Academic Impact initiatives.
Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
Coordination mechanisms/governance structure
Partner(s)
George Mason University