History of Sustainability

President Donald Dedmon signs Talloires Declaration, the first official statement made by university presidents, chancellors and rectors of a commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education. The Talloires Declaration is a 10-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities.

President Penelope Kyle announces the formation of the Sustainability Steering Committee to guide Radford University to becoming a sustainability leader in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

President Kyle signs American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment Signatory (ACUPCC, now the Carbon Commitment), with an implementation start date of January 15, 2010. In doing so, Radford University committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040.

The Sustainability Steering Committee completes the Climate Action Plan and presents the plan to the Board of Visitors on May 10. The Climate Action Plan was not voted on.

Sustainability is named a Core Value of Radford University in the 2017 – 2024 strategic plan, stating “We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of our operations and engaging students across the curriculum to learn, discover and contribute to positive current and future environmental solutions.”

The Sustainability Steering Committee becomes an internal governance committee of Radford University.

Radford University earns a STARS Silver Rating (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) for sustainability initiatives up to this point. This was the first comprehensive sustainability assessment ever completed at Radford University.

The Radford University Faculty Senate passes “Motion to Support Campus Sustainability,” requesting “that President Hemphill recommit to the Carbon Commitment and incorporate sustainability and the Climate Action Plan into the curriculum, campus master plan and campus management activities.”

Radford University achieves 11 consecutive years of recognition in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges.

President Hemphill signs the Carbon Commitment and charges the newly formed President’s Task Force on Sustainability to develop a new Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.

The task force completes “The Path to 2040: the Radford University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.”

Radford University achieves net carbon neutrality.