The nation's capital is on track to become a new epicenter of green building, as nine universities joined Washington, D.C., Mayor Vincent C. Gray to sign the District of Columbia Mayor's College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP).
The pledge is an agreement by the schools to pursue a myriad of sustainability measures related to energy use and buildings, green education, transportation, waste reduction, grounds maintenance, purchasing, and the management and reporting of progress. Each signatory will select its own commitments and goals for sustainability.
‘The commitment made by our universities today demonstrates their dedication to making the district the most sustainable city in the country,’ says Gray (pictured left). ‘This partnership, coupled with our Sustainable D.C. efforts, is a major step forward in ensuring that the district is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. As said in my State of the district speech, I want the district to be the world leader in sustainability, and this pledge will help make that a reality.’
The universities signing CUSP are American University, Corcoran College of Art + Design, The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, Trinity Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia. The pledge sets a Dec. 31 deadline, which Gray says will enable the District to declare itself the ‘greenest college town in America.’
