MISSION & VISION

Per the University of Delaware Strategic Plan we promote the following Mission and Vision for promoting sustainability:

Mission

We recognize the social, economic, and environmental value of: interdisciplinary sustainability education; operations; holistic wellness and quality of life. We will practice and enhance the principles of sustainability across operations, academics, student life, research, and community engagement and will continually improve the sustainability performance of the University by advocating for opportunities to make our campus greener and to better position the University as a leader in regenerative sustainability.

Vision

The University of Delaware seeks to be recognized as a national leader in sustainability, and known for its academic programs, research, operations, and community outreach efforts; that support student success and the well-being of citizens of the University, Delaware, the greater Mid-Atlantic, and beyond. The theory and practice include curating existing and creating new knowledge, defending environmental justice values, coalescing and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to maximize regenerative sustainable outcomes, managing investments, establishing powerful initiatives, advancing wellness, storytelling, and implementing a principle of no net harm.

University of New Hampshire Model

Whom we serve

First, we serve the University of Delaware community made up of students, faculty, and staff in the areas of teaching, research, operations, and wellness. Second, in addition to building greener infrastructure within the bounds of campus, we are collaborating with local and municipal and educational entities to foster greater sustainability operations and education. Third, we foster remediation and regeneration projects in the communities around the state and the region. We are particularly interested in supporting Environmental Justice projects, through which we seek to repair legacy ecological damage done to our local and regional communities, particularly in areas historically damaged by economic, racial, or cultural neglect.

Where we work

Our primary emphasis is on the University of Delaware campuses and the communities surrounding them (e.g. Newark, Georgetown, Dover, and Lewes). Further the results of our education, research, and outreach efforts have implications for the greater Mid-Atlantic and the world.

What we do and how we do this

We will focus on nine categories:

Education — Providing academic and research programs related to climate change, environmental activism, renewable energy and other topics enable students and faculty to address real-world challenges and develop cutting-edge solutions.
Energy — Reducing the University’s energy consumption and increasing its use of energy from renewable sources would help cut greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Investment and Finance — Ongoing support for sustainability initiatives at UD, coupled with fossil fuel divestment, commits institutional resources toward making positive change.
Food and Dining — Evaluating the sources and packaging of meals provided on campus can result in more environmentally sustainable options.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — Addressing the social components of UD’s operation and its impact on historically marginalized communities can advance the University’s goals of engagement and equity.
Landscaping — Covering roughly 2,500 acres throughout the state, the University can promote the increased use of native plants and trees while reducing the application of synthetic herbicides and insecticides that are harmful to the environment.
Transportation — The University will commit to increased useage of electric vehicles for its fleet while promoting more personal use of walking, bicycles, public transit, and commuting.
Waste — The University can save money and reduce its environmental impact by increasing recycling, composting food waste and working with contractors to keep construction waste out of landfills.
Water — While UD’s stormwater management system is relatively thorough, greater conservation efforts would ensure efficient use of water for drinking, sanitation, hygiene and irrigation.

2020 AASHE Bronze Ranking

Nature Positive Pledge University

We are a Nature Positive signatory pledging to restoring species and ecosystems that have been harmed by the impacts of a university and its activities and enhancing the university’s positive impacts on nature. This refers to everything a university does, from its teaching and research work to the operations and supply chains that keep it running.

Campus Race to Zero

Through a multi year commitment to RecycleMania and now Campus Race to Zero Waste, we are committed to continually evaluating and measuring our waste to make positive strides to reduce our waste impact.

Campus Race to Zero Signatory

We are committed to beiung a zero Carbon University by 2050.