Operations & Facilities Management is committed to creating a more sustainable world. Our activities include practical programs to reduce the University’s environmental footprint. Collaborating with students, faculty, staff, trainees, and visitors, we promote a culture that values the environment and acts to protect it.
Now available: Sustainable Operations Strategic Plan 2023 Update!
In 2018, the School of Medicine published its first Sustainable Operations Strategic Plan for 2018 – 2025, detailing sustainability initiatives and commitments. Our newly published document provides updates on all commitments made in 2018 and looks forward to the remaining two years.
The plan is characterized by OFMD’s campus responsibilities to
The Culture of Sustainability
Empowering OFMD staff through education, assignments, training, and growth opportunities is the foundation for OFMD to realize sustainability through campus design, management, stewardship, and operation of the physical resources. OFMD recognizes progress on sustainability and showcases it through staff achievement awards.
Energy and Emissions
Design and operate the School of Medicine’s energy systems and buildings to reduce university Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and continue to develop goals beyond 2020.
Sustainable Buildings and Landscapes
Become a model among peers in the sustainable design and management of School of Medicine buildings and landscapes.
Healthy Food
Provide the campus community with healthy food that is locally and sustainably sourced.
Waste Management
Reduce chemical use and increase the diversion of solid waste from landfills.
Transportation
Maintain or exceed the current School of Medicine profile of 47% of students, faculty and staff using modes of transportation other than single occupancy vehicles when commuting to or traveling through the medical campus.
Engagement
Funding a position to lead and coordinate sustainability activities. Regularly communicate about sustainability activity and its value to the School of Medicine, including at departmental meetings, regular operational interactions, service surveys, monthly newsletters, and targeted signage and sustainability communication. Encourage OFMD staff to contribute to and engage in the campus community, the neighborhoods that surround the campus, and their own communities.
Meet the Team:
WUSM Sustainability News
Introducing Reusable Boxes at EPNEC (December 2023)
WashU CSA Update: Introducing Plain & Simple Box (October 2023)
WashU School of Medicine Sustainability Plan Midterm Report (September 2023)
Student Represents School of Medicine at CleanMed Conference (June 2023)
WashU Grounds Team Practices Sustainability (April 2023)
Green Labs Pilot Certification a Success (April 2023)
WUSM Compost Pilot (January 2023)
WashU Receives AASHE STARS Gold Accreditation (November 2022)
Medical Campus Recognized as Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business (February 2022)
Recycling Behind the Scenes at WUSM (January 2021)
Custodial Reduces Plastic Throughout WUSM Operations (November 2020)