University of Washington, Seattle
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

The 2y2d Initiative articulates long-term strategic priorities that guide near-term decisions. Starting in the summer of 2009, over 3,500 faculty, students, staff and community stakeholders were asked to envision where they want the University of Washington to be in 20 years and potential strategies to make that vision a sustainable reality. Based on this input, and in consultation with faculty and campus leaders, strategic priorities and near-term goals were identified to make that vision a sustainable reality.   The 2y2d visioning document outlines a five main goals including sustainability. With regard to environmental sustainability, the UW will pay "careful attention to the physical fabric and embedded infrastructure (technology, energy, waste, open spaces, transportation, finance, and governance) that support our academic, research, and clinical missions. UW students, faculty, staff, and friends will be innovators and active stewards rather than passive participants in saving energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, conserving water, protecting green space, increasing recycling, and reducing reliance on polluting modes of transportation."   The Sustainable Academic Business Plan is an evolving framework of long- and short-term goals that guides work groups across the campus in support of the 2y2d Initiative. These initiatives aim to reduce costs, increase revenues, invest in people and invest in infrastructure. One focus of the Sustainable Academic Business Plan is alignment of goals and activities related to environmental stewardship. In August 2012 the University adopted a policy on environmental stewardship and sustainability, Executive Order No. 13. According to the policy: "The University of Washington will strive to be a model of environmental stewardship and sustainability by identifying and supporting efficient, cost-effective, sustainable practices in all its operations. These efforts will include reducing the University's use of energy, shifting to renewable energy sources, and decreasing its emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful materials. The University will reduce its consumption of materials, shift to renewably-produced materials, and increase the reuse, recycling, and composting of these materials, including food waste. The University will use the power of its research and teaching to develop solutions to environmental challenges and promote ecological knowledge and awareness. The University will be a leader in implementing best practices and will demonstrate flexibility in adapting to new information, changing approaches, and emerging technologies. The scope of these efforts will encompass all University operations, including: the planning, design, construction, and performance monitoring of facilities; user behaviors and activities in areas such as commuting, travel, land use, and information technology; and the overall cycle of procurement, consumption, and disposal of commodities." http://green.washington.edu/executive-order

The 2y2d visioning document also addresses aspects of social sustainability, including providing an affordable education for all students and "addressing the needs of a diverse and changing community." In particular, "while our campus will always serve 18–25 year olds attending classes on campus, we will serve the needs of changing student demographics, such as increases in the numbers of students over 25, distance-learners, international students, retired/lifelong learners, and hybrid online/on-site learners, as well as traditionally underrepresented minorities. Our campus will provide places for all individuals to learn, research, and work that are safe, comfortable, supportive, stimulating, and offer opportunities to interact with other members of our increasingly diverse UW community."

As described in the 2y2d visioning document, "UW’s increasingly limited capital and operating financial resources call for us to be more efficient and effective and to ensure that infrastructure investments are strategic and sustainable, balancing the needs of users, academic programs, infrastructure, and the environment. Environmental and financial sustainability will converge as we develop user incentives to conserve, aim for net-zero energy use in new and re-purposed facilities, and partner with the community to develop methods and technologies for developing/distributing energy in ways that generate revenue. Achieving the right balance between the competing demands of environmental and financial stewardship will require an innovative whole-systems approach—a real and shared eco-district, not simply a cluster of green buildings—working in a truly collaborative way to leverage the best of global practices while strengthening local community."