University Receives Almost-Failing Environmental Sustainability Rating

The University has received a D- on the College Sustainability Report Card, despite recent efforts to improve facilities and develop programs to better meet students’ needs.

“I hope this poor grade will highlight areas where Catholic can become more green-conscious,” said Kara Fenn, vice president of the University’s Green Club. “However, this assessment doesn’t tell the full story. I know in my heart the passion that many people in the CUA community have towards being Green. This semester over 60 students have signed the pledge to commit to a green lifestyle.”

The Report Card evaluates and grades the 300 colleges with the largest endowments across the U.S., based on nine categories pertaining to the environment and going green.

The goal of the report is to gauge a college’s ability to meet the present needs of the campus without damaging the needs of future generations.

Of the other universities in the District, only Howard University received a lower grade. Topping the District’s  list were Georgetown and American University, who were each awarded a B-. Of the 300 schools assessed, only 15 received an A-, the highest grade given. Most of the top schools also possessed the highest endowments.

The categories determining the overall grade include climate change and energy, green building, student involvement, transportation and investment priorities. The University received failing grades in four of the nine areas.

One of the nine categories was also Administration. According to the Report Card website, “The Catholic University of America has no known policy relating to campus-wide sustainability.”

The University’s Green Club has taken great strides to improve sustainability on campus, according to Fenn. This includes starting a eco-challenge within the residence halls to lower water usage, waste and consumption, as well as helping Campus Ministry with the Go Green, Go Move Out event last year to recycle gently used clothing and objects for charity.

The report notes under climate change and energy that the University began purchasing wind power in 2002, and Fenn adds the University currently buys 13 percent of its energy from alternate sources. In many cases, the report suggests the University has taken some steps in the right direction to promote sustainability, but not enough.

The University also failed the green building category, having “no known green buildings or a green building policy.” The report did not mention the construction of Opus Hall, which is slated to be completed in the spring and be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, having the highest green building and performance measures according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

On a positive note, the University received a C grade in the food and recycling category. The report said that “the University serves fair trade coffee and locally baked bread, as well as seafood purchased in accordance with Monterey Bay guidelines.”

“Last year the Green Club worked with Dining Services to have trayless days to bring down water usage and extra food waste,” said Fenn. This year, there is Trayless Tuesdays, and the University hopes to eliminate trays altogether by the spring.

“Being Green is a moral obligation for Catholics and people from all faiths. This planet is a gift, and the Green Club is on a mission for change,” said Fenn.

In addition to the Green Club’s efforts, the School of Architecture and Planning has added two new master’s programs dealing with sustainability. “According to the School’s website, Tthe Master of City and Regional Planning connects design with policy and social responsibility  “to assist […] in the stewardship of the built, natural and cultural environments,” according to the School’s website. “The Master of Science in Sustainable Design aims to “[prepare] architects and designers to assume a personal responsibility to the welfare of the world” through preserving the environment.

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