Volunteers plant trees during 2019 Campus Beautification Day (video courtesy of Casey Trees)

As the nation's premier higher learning institution dedicated to the education of deaf and hard of hearing students, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment to ensure that future Gallaudet students can enjoy the same opportunities afforded to today's students. We are committed to engaging and educating our students and the broader Gallaudet community about the need to address climate change and the role we all play in mitigating the threats caused by a warming planet and environmental degradation.

Gallaudet has made the following commitments to accelerate our transformation to a truly sustainable university:

  • Cut campus energy use by 50% by 2035 through a combination of capital improvements and campus education.
  • Supply 20% of campus energy from renewable sources by 2020, and 50% by 2030.
  • Build new facilities to LEED Silver standards or better, with energy performance at least 50% better than code.
  • Increase the percentage of zero emitting vehicles on campus and encourage healthier commuting options.
  • Expand opportunities for students and the broader campus community to learn about climate change and sustainability.
  • Reduce potable water use by 3% per square foot compared to Fiscal Year 2009.