Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 60.54
Liaison Jane Stewart
Submission Date March 1, 2024

STARS v2.2

Washington and Lee University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Jane Stewart
Energy Specialist
Treasurer's office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Local advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:

The University Architect served on the Lexington Green Infrastructure (LGI) task force, convened to report out to the Lexington Planning Commission, as a W&L representative. That task force lead to the creation of the Lexington Healthy Green Neighborhoods Initiative, charged with facilitating implementation of the LGI recommendations. The director of sustainability was appointed by the Vice President for Finance to serve on the steering committee as the university's representative. This steering committee is working with the City of Lexington to push for the implementation of Green infratructure projects including creating bike lanes, expanding recylcing, improving stormwater management, increasing tree canopy and improving community green space. W&L is playing an important role in advocating for these projects and collaborating with the city and other commuity partners to see them realized. 


Regional advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:

W&L joined a letter of support for the adoption of the Virginia Clean Economy Act in advance of its enactment under former Governor Ralph Northam. This is newly relevant with the current governor attempting to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which the Commonwealth entered as part of the VCEA. During W&L's multi year process seeking a large-scale solar solution, multiple meetings took place with DMME representatives expressing the need for better renewable energy options for consumers. Our new large-scale solar array is a very clear signal of our commitment to supporting solar energy in the region.


National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:

W&L is a public advocate for upholding and continuing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act. https://www.wlu.edu/admissions/apply/daca-support-statement/


International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
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Optional Fields 

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
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None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
---

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Information related to W&L's support for DACA was provided by the Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid.


The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.