George Mason University
PAE-4: Sustainability Plan

George Mason University (Mason) has implemented an organizational and decision making structure for sustainability-the Executive Steering Committee for Sustainability. The Steering Committee consists of various groups on campus from students, administration, facilities, academics, research, auxiliary enterprises, technology, and art. Each of these groups has a different purpose and goals, but together ensures the vertical and horizontal integration of sustainability activities with the entire campus community.

In 20 years, George Mason University (Mason): •Mason is carbon-neutral, employing all possible renewable energy sources before purchasing renewable energy credits to offset remaining emissions •Has an active and solvent Sustainability Endowment Fund to fund capital projects, research fellowships, and grant-matching opportunities is in place •All new buildings are constructed with low-impact development standards and innovative practices using whole-systems thinking •All old buildings are reused and renovated to the highest standards of efficiency and livability in mind •Open space has been preserved and diversified into various types of uses, to accommodate the varied needs of an active campus community •Affordable and healthy temporary and permanent housing is made available for faculty and staff who wish to reduce their commute time to work •All students are required to participate in a minimum number of service learning hours to promote sustainability on campus in order to graduate; all students are exposed to sustainability principles in their coursework where applicable •Fleet vehicles are all run on biofuels or electricity •Mason's campuses are walkable and bikable not only on campus but getting to and from campus; electric shuttles are provided for on-campus transportation where possible •Organic, local, and alternative food options are available to all on-campus diners •Mason recycles a majority of our total waste by weight •Sustainable purchasing policies inform and enforce low-impact options for all major items purchased on campus •Fair trade, organic, and sweatshop-free products are the standard practice when providing goods and services to the campus community •The campus is a functional self-sustaining city in its own right, making it an enjoyable place to live, work, and relax by employing smart design practices for sustainable communities •All employees of the university are treated with respect and paid a living wage appropriate for the surrounding area •All faculty and staff are encouraged to lead one community-based service activity that includes their students every year and integrates real-world learning opportunities

Metrics will be reported in progress updates to the ACUPCC and within Mason's Strategic Plan, Transportation Master Plan, and University Master Plan processes. Metrics include reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; establishment and fundraising for sustainability focused funds; number of buildings that meet US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver or higher standards; space density calculations for Mason's campuses; number of fleet vehicles that run on electricity or alternative energy sources; percent of food options that are locally grown, organic, or sustainable sourced; percent of recycling; survey results of Mason's Quality of Worklife Task Force (QWL); community service hours and service learning hours to name a few metrics.