Sustainability Action Plan focus areas

hand drawn illustration of images related to the seven focus areas

2050 vision

We are seamlessly connected through a network of low-carbon transportation options that prioritize convenience, affordability, safety, and accessibility. More Huskies are commuting by transit, carpool, or bike than ever before. When it comes to air travel, our UW community is thoughtful about flying less and mitigating air travel’s carbon impacts. UW faculty, staff and students embrace sustainable travel to commute, serve our community and stay connected.

Actions

Flagship action TC1: Bolster U-PASS and other sustainable commuting modes through a coordinated campaign to meet the Seattle single-occupancy vehicle trip reduction goal of 12% by 2028.
TC2: Complete a safety assessment of vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian travel across all campuses to identify barriers to safe and sustainable commuting modes.
TC3: Improve access to bicycle, e-bike and micromobility commuting.
TC4: Develop tools and best practices to reduce air travel and mitigate flight-related emissions.
TC5: Create a University-wide fleet electrification plan.

View the complete plan for Transportation & commuting

Procurement

2050 vision

Our supply chain is a powerful tool for advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability. We prioritize purchasing practices that are cost effective and reflect our values. Through strategic procurement, the UW fosters a culture of responsible spending while supporting small, minority-and women-owned businesses, human rights, environmental stewardship and local economies.

Actions

Flagship action P1: Launch a new sustainable procurement webpage and training for staff.
P2: Develop strategies with UW’s high-impact suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of our purchases.
P3: Standardize and integrate sustainability criteria into supplier solicitation, evaluation and contracting.

See the full plan for Procurement

Materials and waste management

2050 vision

We are minimizing waste by buying less and optimizing the full life cycle of materials entering and leaving our campuses, such that recoverable material is not wasted. Through education, collaboration and innovation we lead by example ensuring responsible operation of our facilities to minimize our ecological footprint and maximize resource potential.

Actions

Flagship action MW1: Form a University-wide materials and waste reduction working group.
MW2: Identify opportunities to replace single-use healthcare products with reusables or environmentally preferable alternatives.
MW3: Transition away from single-use products through UW’s partnerships with major vendors and corporate sponsors.

SEE THE FULL PLAN FOR Materials & Waste Management

Food systems

2050 vision

Our dining practices emphasize food that is nutritious with a low carbon impact. We have a socially responsible food system that enhances food security for the UW community. Through strategic collaboration and improvements in our food procurement process, the UW’s food system is a leader in socially and environmentally responsible food service.

Actions

Flagship action MW1: Establish a Food Systems Working Group with an initial focus on sustaining existing high-impact programs.
FS2: Join the Coolfood Pledge and work toward a 30% reduction in total food-related emissions.

SEE THE FULL PLAN FOR FOOD SYSTEMS

Landscapes and ecological systems

2050 vision

Our campuses are thriving ecosystems that prioritize biodiversity, ecological health and climate resilience. Our land management practices encourage native and climate adaptive plants, enhance water quality and support a healthy tree canopy. We are actively engaged in environmental stewardship of University sites through responsible design, operation, maintenance and volunteer service.

Actions

Flagship action LES1: Assess relevant landscape certifications to identify best practices that support healthy and resilient landscapes.
LES2: Develop an Adaptive Plant Guide as a resource for native and pollinator-friendly plantings to improve climate resilience across the tri-campus.
LES3: Build on existing urban forest planning efforts to enhance and expand tree canopy coverage across all UW campuses.

SEE THE FULL PLAN FOR Landscapes & Ecological Systems

Buildings, energy and climate

2050 vision

Our campuses are carbon neutral and fossil fuels are no longer combusted at our facilities as a primary source of energy. Indirect greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time low, particularly with respect to the goods and services the University purchases. The UW is world renowned not only for research innovation, but for lab practices that minimize resource consumption while maximizing reuse and environmental stewardship. Our community members are engaged and informed champions leading the way in achieving our conservation goals.

Actions

Flagship action BEC1: Scale-up the “Reinvest in Energy Efficiency Projects” program to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and electrical demand.
BEC2: Publish and share annual greenhouse gas emissions progress and performance summaries to UW leadership and community.
BEC3: Establish a working group focused on conserving water and reducing combined water and sewer costs.
BEC4: Launch a Green Labs program focused on conserving resources and cost while continuing to foster innovation.
BEC5: Develop a University-wide strategy to guide best practices and cost-effective decision-making for solar energy installations.

SEE THE FULL PLAN FOR BUILDINGS, ENERGY & CLIMATE

Learning and community engagement

2050 vision

A University where every student, across all disciplines, has opportunities to learn about sustainability and contribute directly to sustainability solutions through coursework, living lab projects and community partnerships. Students are empowered as collaborators, leaders and changemakers who help drive the UW’s progress toward its sustainability goals.

Actions

Flagship action LEC1: Launch an online platform of ready-to-implement sustainability engagement project opportunities.
LEC2: Develop the goals and framework needed to establish a Sustainability Changemaker Collaborative.

SEE THE FULL PLAN FOR Learning & community engagement