Washington University in St. Louis Sustainability Plan

Intersections of Operations, Teaching and Research and Community Partnerships

Washington University recently completed its first decade of operational environmental, sustainability, and climate change (ESCC) leadership having achieved many major accomplishments.

Looking ahead to the next decade of ESCC leadership, the University brought on BUSS and Ayers Saint Gross to drive the development of the next strategic plan for sustainable operations, aligning goals, objectives, and strategies with Washington University’s overarching Strategic Plan and mission. This next strategic plan will include goals, objectives, and strategies related to:

1. Sustainable Operations: Develop the university’s next set of high-level ESCC operational goals, including outlining implementation strategies. Climate-related goals and strategies will include mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

2. University as a Living Lab: Coordinate with faculty leadership to develop a vision and strategy for integrating University operations with teaching and research and the planned Center for the Environment. Outcomes may include supporting innovation and technology development / demonstrations, practitioner fellowships, co-curricular student learning, and student leadership and career development.

3. Partnerships: Outline a vision for expanding and enhancing ESCC-related community partnerships in the St. Louis region, Midwest, and beyond that supports the University’s mission and strategic priorities, and ESCC imperatives.

BUSS is part of a core team leading regular engagement at these intersections as well as leading the technical and strategic aspects of climate action planning and resiliency planning.

Location: St. Louis, MO

Client:  Washington University in St. Louis

Collaborators: Ayers Saint Gross

Date: 2023-24