More than 1/2 of incoming students reported sustainability initiatives influenced their decision to attend Applachian.
Westerman Solar House Sustainbility sets our institution apart and creates value. -Chancellor Sheri N. Everts, Spring 2017 Faculty and Staff Meeting More than 1/2 of incoming students reported sustainability initiatives influenced their decision to attend Applachian.
ABOUT
Appalachian has a decades-long commitment to sustainability, offering multiple degree programs and engaging our community.
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EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Through engaged scholarship, we balance critical, creative and global thinking in a living laboratory.
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GET INVOLVED
Engage, help with a river clean up, join a club. Be a carbon neutral commuter or contribute to the Solar Vehicle Team.
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CAMPUS INITIATIVES
The following areas illustrate our community's work, effort, action, and dedication to sustain Appalachian.
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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

Putting the 3E's to work – Service Over Sunning

Each spring, groups of Appalachian State University students choose to forgo the stereotypical "Spring Break" vacation to do service projects around the nation. Called Alternative Service Experiences (ASE), these trips focus on sustainability, social justice and the environment.

Come along with Appalachian student Laurie Pope and an ASE group to Birmingham, Alabama, for a volunteer experience at Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

Music by Rainbow Kitten Surprise, recorded by Appalachian's student-run Split Rail Records.