Environmental Stewardship

Sustainability concepts and practices are continually reviewed and incorporated into UMW policies and programs. Our efforts are continuously evolving!

Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, many departments and offices continue to make efforts that contribute to our overall stewardship of environmental resources. The following list is a first rough draft of some of these.

Snapshots

Stafford North Building, completed in 2007, was our first LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified construction project. Since then, the Hurley Convocation Center, Cedric Rucker University Center and the renovation of Randolph and Mason Halls, took these sustainability initiatives to another level by becoming LEED certified.
Facilities Services hired a full-time Sustainability Coordinator in 2022 to guide students, staff and faculty forward into more sustainable lifestyles through education and communication. By increasing awareness of the roles played by our campus community, we will make UMW a more sustainable institution. Visit our UMW Sustainability page.
Since 2015, UMW has annually earned the designation as a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education. With partnerships and volunteer assistance from Friends of the Rappahannock and the Virginia Department of Forestry, our Landscape and Grounds team has been able to replace trees lost to storms or construction and add more to maintain our stunning campus tree canopy. View our UMW Campus Tree Care Plan.
From 2022-2024, the University replaced over 5,000 linear feet of water lines and steam pipes, from Woodard to Randolph Hall. By doing this, they were able to reduce water usage and make both the heat and water systems more efficient.
The University continues to work closely with the regional bus transit service, FXBGO!, to provide routes that serve our students and staff. UMW also provides subsidies for FXBGO! operations.
Thermal energy storage systems at Farmer Hall and Jepson Science Center reduce peak demand charges by making ice for cooling during non-peak electrical hours.
The University has updated storm water plans and maintenance to meet new standards from the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The Fredericksburg Central Steam (Heating) Plant has converted its backup fuel from #6 to #2 fuel oil, lowering sulfur and other particulate emissions. (Normal fuel supply is natural gas.)
Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are utilized to minimize chemical usage in controlling pests.
UMW has received state approval for Nutrient Management Plans to reduce fertilizer runoff from both campuses. Renewed every three years, this plan is an important part of how the University is working with other agencies of the Commonwealth to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Your comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.