Sustainability at Western

Recycling is a key part of our commitment to cutting Western’s carbon footprint by 50% by 2035 and being entirely carbon neutral by 2050. With recycling stations across campus, e-waste recycling partnerships, a metal recycling program, an on-campus industrial composter, our FreeCycle program for reusing household items and clothing, and partnerships with textile recyclers, we’re making waste diversion easier for everyone. Plus, our Zero Waste events help drive sustainable habits in our community. There’s still work to do, but every step brings us closer to our goal.

More than half of our students commute by bike, foot, public transit, or carpool. As a proud bike-friendly campus, we offer bike racks at every building, longboard and skateboard racks at select locations, and covered bike parking whenever possible. Need a ride? Our free bike library rental system at the library makes it easy to get around.

For those driving electric vehicles, charging stations are available outside Taylor Hall and the Paul M. Rady building. We also partner with the local RTA bus system, providing a convenient stop right on campus at Colorado St. and Ohio Ave. Whether you’re commuting through Gunnison or heading up to Crested Butte, the bus runs multiple times a day—seasonal schedules apply—and even has room for your skis, snowboard, or bike!

Western’s Rare Air Café and Mad Jack’s, both located in the University Center, are operated by Sodexo with a commitment to waste diversion and recycling.

• The Rocket Composter diverts up to 95% of the building’s food waste, making the University Center a leader in campus sustainability. Funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment through a $146,000 grant, this initiative is complemented by food waste donations to local consumers as able and waste oil recycling for county biodiesel production. Sodexo has further supported Western’s efforts to reduce waste by purchasing an enclosure for the Rocket Composter to ensure its year-round operation, even in Gunnison’s winter months.
• Every student receives a meal plan and a reusable to-go container through a Pepsi partnership, supporting the Sustainability Action Committee’s Eat, Wash, Reuse
• Meal plans are also available to be donated through Western’s “Swipe out Hunger” program. See here for more information.
• Additionally, Sodexo and Western Sustainability actively pursue opportunities to further reduce the amount of food waste both in prior-to production materials and post-production materials.

Western’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPP) strengthens our commitment to sustainability by prioritizing vendors who share our environmental values. This approach ensures that social and environmental considerations carry equal weight with price, availability, and performance in purchasing decisions.

The goal of this policy is to reduce the unfavorable environmental and social impacts of our purchasing decisions by buying goods and services from manufacturers and vendors who share our commitment to the environment.

We strive to source products that align with key sustainability principles, including:

• High post-consumer recycled content
• Low embodied energy from production to disposal
• Recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable materials
• Non-toxic and energy-efficient design
• Durability and repairability
• Ethical and environmentally responsible production
• Minimal packaging that meets sustainability standards
• End-of-life reuse or regeneration potential (e.g., carpeting, furniture)

Through these efforts, Western integrates sustainability into every aspect of campus operations.

Western is committed to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in every new building and renovation. Through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, our buildings feature ample natural light, advanced temperature control systems, and carbon dioxide sensors that improve indoor air quality.

Western meets LEED standards in all recent construction and renovation projects, with a commitment to achieving LEED-Gold certification or its equivalent for future developments. Our Facilities team continues to improve energy efficiency by replacing incandescent fixtures with LED lighting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across campus.

Western is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and affordable education for all students. Through the STARS Diversity & Affordability framework, we actively support programs and policies that promote equity and financial accessibility.

Our Multicultural Center provides resources and a welcoming space for underrepresented students, while scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities help reduce financial barriers. By prioritizing affordability and inclusivity, we strive to make higher education attainable for all, ensuring a vibrant and diverse campus community.

Western is committed to responsible financial stewardship that aligns with our sustainability goals. Through the STARS Investment & Finance framework, we prioritize ethical and sustainable investment strategies that support long-term environmental and social responsibility. Our endowment policies consider socially responsible investing principles, and we actively explore opportunities to invest in renewable energy, sustainable enterprises, and community development projects.

Western prioritizes our students, faculty, and staff’s health, wellness, and professional growth. Through the STARS Wellbeing & Work framework, we foster a supportive campus environment with comprehensive mental health services, wellness programs, and work-life balance initiatives. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides resources for faculty and staff, while students can access counseling, recreation facilities, and outdoor wellness opportunities. Western also promotes professional development and a positive workplace culture, ensuring that our community thrives both academically and professionally.