University Sustainability

Defining Sustainability since 1899
More than 1/2 of incoming students reported sustainability initiatives influenced their decision to attend Applachian.
More than 1/2 of incoming students reported sustainability initiatives influenced their decision to attend Applachian.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Check on Appalachian’s renewable energy installations in real-time. Sponsored by ASUREI
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MOBILE APP
Stay connected to all things sustainable at Appalachian with the new SustainApp Guidebook. Campus tour, energy data, recycling guide, events, and more!
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SOLAR VEHICLE TEAM
Team Sunergy is made up of students seeking to represent Appalachian’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives at international solar vehicle competitions.
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ZERO WASTE
Through thoughtful purchasing decisions, reducing consumption, and increasing recycling and composting, we can reduce what ends up in the landfill.
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Sustainability at Appalachian State University is not a trend, it is a tradition. We are active stewards of our state’s interconnected financial, cultural and natural resources. Through engaged scholarship, we balance critical, creative and global thinking in a living laboratory, transforming theory into practice and fostering responsible citizenship.

~ Mission, Vision and Values: Appalachian State University Statement of Sustainability


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Read the story of Appalachian’s Solar Car

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Sustainability Podcasts

Sustainability extends beyond limiting carbon emissions and recycling. These podcasts explore the role of the 3E’s - social equity, economics and the environment – in a sustainable society.

Listen

Sustainable Living Guide

The daily choices you make matter. From personal wellness to citizenship, water savings to energy usage, your choices help build a responsible community.

View here

Zero Waste Commitment

Through thoughtful purchasing decisions, reducing consumption and increasing recycling we can drastically reduce what we send to the landfill.

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University's Strategic Plan

The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a just and sustainable future, provides direction for the campus over the course of the next five years.

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Appalachian earns AASHE's top overall sustainability ranking
  • 77.24

    points out of possible 85 in STARS Gold Rating.

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  • 25th

    Sierra Magazine's annual ranking of the nation's top "Coolest Schools" ranked Appalachian 25th in 2016.

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  • 37%

    University waste diverted from landfill in 2014-2015 through reduction, recycling and composting.

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  • $29M

    in avoided energy & waste costs since 2007.

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  • 876

    academic courses include some aspect of sustainability.

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  • 20%

    or more than $600,000 annually of food purchased by university dining services is from local producers.

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Sources: Office of Sustainability, Appalachian State Physical Plant, and REI

Team Sunergy 2017: Runnin' on Shine (Documentary)

An informative documentary that follows Appalachian State University's Team Sunergy as they compete in the 2017 Formula Sun Grand Prix. Team Sunergy travels from Boone, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas, for three days of solar racing at the United States’ premier Formula 1 track, Circuit of the Americas.

Learn More About Team Sunergy