Elon wins national sustainability recognition

APPA, an organization of physical plant administrators, recognizes Elon with its 2016 Sustainability Award.

APPA, previously known as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators, has honored Elon University with APPA’s 2016 Sustainability Award. Elon is one of eight higher education institutions to receive the award.

“Elon University is serving as a positive example through sustainable operations and education,” said Paul Wuebold, APPA’s vice president, professional affairs, and the chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee. “Elon University is being recognized for its efforts in energy reduction; water conservation; campus composting programs for yard and food waste; and the Elon BioBus system that is free to use by campus and community members.”

APPA has developed the criteria for the award based on specific standards and processes applicable to management in educational facilities, including educational curriculum and research; leadership and administration; maintenance and operations; energy and utilities; planning and construction; sustainability indicators; and sustainability innovations. 

Other recipients of the APPA 2016 Sustainability Award include: George Washington University, Ohio University, Portland Community College, Spelman College, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and Colorado State University. Award recipients were recognized July 12 during the 2016 APPA Annual Conference in Nashville.

This is the second major sustainability award Elon has received this year. In April, Elon was one of 11 colleges and universities to be named a 2016 Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Elon was the first postsecondary school in North Carolina to receive the designation.

To learn more about Elon’s sustainability goals, see the university’s Sustainability Master Plan.  

– by Madison McKenzie ’18