Catholic University U.S. Named Green Ribbon School by U.S. Dept. of Education

The Catholic University of America is honored as a Postsecondary Sustainability Awardee by the U.S. Department of Education a month after receiving the District of Columbia Sustainability Award.

Environmental sustainability is more than a buzzword at The Catholic University of America, which has been named a U.S. Department of Education 2024 Green Ribbon School. The University also received the 2024 Clean Energy DC Award from the District of Columbia In March 2024.

Inspired by Laudato Si’, the 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis on care for creation, the University has become a leader in renewable energy development and education innovations that it has implemented on its 178-acre campus in northeast Washington, D.C. This summer, a 7.5 megawatt ground solar array will open on the University’s West Campus, the latest in a long-term commitment to installing solar energy.

“We are grateful for these honors and hope that the sustainable practices we have put in place on campus inspire other universities and organizations in their own efforts,” said Alexandra Harry Nappier, director of the Office of Campus Sustainability at Catholic University. 

In addition to generating renewable energy, Catholic University has offset 100% of its electricity usage through the purchase of renewable energy credits since 2012. Other sustainability efforts focus on plants and trees, stormwater management, building construction, alternative transit incentives, and student education.

Sustainability Efforts on Catholic University’s Campus

A partial list of sustainability initiatives on campus include:

• Solar energy

• Extensive tree canopy, stormwater management devices, and commitment to use native and adaptive plants. 

• Pollinator meadow adjacent to the ground solar array

• Community garden providing fresh produce for the on-campus food pantry 

• Five LEED-certified buildings on campus, with one more in the certification process

• Up to $600 annually in an employee incentive program for use of public transit, bicycling, or other alternative transportation modes

• More than two dozen majors, minors, and concentrations in environmental sustainability, including a Net Zero Design program in the School of Architecture and Planning

• Using the campus as a living lab for students, with sustainability tours tailored to coursework, such as renewable energy or water management; a LEED lab course with students developing a feasibility study to certify University buildings; and individual student projects and research. 

MEDIA: 

Contact Nicole Germain

germainn@cua.edu 

443-540-3121(mobile).