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Sustainability

  1. Whitworth University
  2. About Whitworth
  3. Sustainability
  4. Operations

Operations

Whitworth University is a microcosm of our larger community. Therefore, the manner in which the university carries out its daily activities is an important demonstration of ways to achieve environmentally responsible living and to reinforce desired values and behaviors in the entire community. These activities provide unparalleled opportunities for teaching, research and learning. Moreover, this is one of the most effective strategies to build a strong sense of collaboration and community throughout the institution. Whitworth is continually looking for new avenues to promote sustainable operations on campus. A few examples of current sustainable practices are listed below:

  • Whitworth Facilities Services maintains a comprehensive single-stream recycling program, pre-assigning all recyclable materials to appropriate outlets and aiming to capture as much recyclable material as possible.
  • Since 2010, all new facilities constructed on the Whitworth campus are LEED-certified. The Robinson Science Hall earned a LEED Gold certification, Oliver Hall received a LEED Silver designation, and the brand-new University Recreation Center is LEED Silver-certified.
  • Many campus buildings’ utilities operate on internal controls to reduce energy use and save money. Since 2011, Whitworth University has decreased its overall energy use by 15 percent, resulting in both economic savings and reductions in Whitworth’s environmental impact.
  • Whitworth's partner for campus food services, Sodexo, maintains a robust sustainability program on campus, through local food-sourcing, waste-management, and energy-saving measures in its kitchen facilities.
  • Whitworth seeks to incentivize and help faculty and staff reduce commuter trips and single-occupant commutes to and from work through the Commute Trip Reduction Program. Whitworth employees are encouraged to consider alternatives to single-occupant commutes including carpooling, walking, bicycling and use of public transportation.
  • In 2013, Whitworth constructed a campus solar array to offset campus energy use with energy generation. The solar array sits atop the Whitworth Aquatics Center and holds a total of 300 panels, with a maximum generation of 77 kWh. This provides enough electrical energy to power one of the university’s residence halls. The power generation is monitored by Whitworth Facilities Services through DECK Monitoring.