President’s Statement on Sustainability
President Cabrera
Thank you for your interest in sustainability efforts at George Mason University. Through the commitment of our students, faculty, and staff, we strive to make George Mason the best university for the world.One way we work to achieve that goal is by making wise choices about how we use resources, realizing that our choices affect not only our lives but those of future generations. But most importantly, we strive to graduate responsible stewards of the planet and engage in research that can help us tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Becoming the first university in Virginia to achieve a “STARS Gold Rating” from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education indicates to us that we are on the right path.
Mason students know that in a global economy a working knowledge of sustainability issues is essential. Our next generation of leaders graduate knowing that environmental health, economic well-being, and social equity must be intertwined for us to thrive.
Sustainability-related courses and programs have become a hallmark of our curricula. The number of “green-leaf” courses that Mason offers has quickly grown to about 150 across 25 academic programs. We expect these numbers to continue to rise.
Our efforts transcend classrooms and research centers. We use our campuses as a learning laboratory for positive change. Our Office of Sustainability, Environment and Sustainability Living Learning Community, Green Patriots, and others ensure that environmental causes are ingrained in our campus life. Our Patriot Green Fund provides financial support to members of the Mason community for sustainability-related infrastructure improvements and research projects.
Mason was among the first 15 American universities to join the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a group that addresses environmental issues and other societal concerns. We are proud of our accomplishments but know that it takes ceaseless commitment and innovation to achieve our sustainability goals.
Please join us in our efforts. We thrive together.
Ángel Cabrera
President, George Mason University