A Leader In Sustainability

With 18 residence halls housing over 6,200 students and a combined professional and student staff of over 250 employees, University Housing promotes environmental consciousness and educates students and staff alike. With a strong commitment to sustainability through activities and initiatives, University Housing works every day to bring positive change to the campus. For more information about sustainability efforts on campus, please contact the Office of Sustainability.

Some examples of University Housing's commitment to sustainability are:

  • LEED Gold Certification - Cone Hall, Frank Hall, and Mountaineer Hall.
  • Green Built Certification - Thunder Hill Hall.
  • All residence halls utilize water-saving showers, faucets, and toilets as well as energy-saving light fixtures.
  • All appliances in our residence halls are EPA Energy Star compliant.
  • All University Housing housekeeping cleaning products are biodegradable and Green Seal certified.
  • Residents have the opportunity to participate in projects designed to reduce environmental impact.
  • Ample numbers of bicycle racks are located across campus for students' convenience.
  • The AppalCART local bus system provides students with an alternative transportation option with stops convenient to the residence halls, academic buildings, and local shopping areas.
  • The Living Green residential learning community offers students the opportunity to continue their education on sustainable practices in a residential setting.
Green Appal Certified logo with bitten apple and the slogan "Take a bite out of your carbon footprint!"

Green Appal Sustainability Program

Get Green Appal Certified and Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Green Appal Certification helps students adopt sustainable habits, reduce waste, conserve resources, and make a positive impact on campus and beyond through everyday actions.

Green Appal Certified logo with bitten apple and the slogan "Take a bite out of your carbon footprint!"

Zero Waste Sorting Guide

Apple core and folded paper napkin shown as compostable materials that belong in the compost bin.

What Goes in Compost

  • All Leftover Food
  • Paper
    • To-go boxes
    • Napkins
    • Paper towels
    • Wax deli paper
  • Coffee grounds
  • Empty pizza boxes
  • Coffee filters
  • Tea bags
  • Items labeled "compostable"
Metal can and plastic jug shown as recyclable containers accepted in mixed recycling collection.

What Goes in Mixed Recycling

  • Plastic
    • Bottles
    • Takeout containers and clamshells
    • Plastic cups
    • Tubs
  • Paper
    • Office papers
    • Newspaper
    • Magazines
    • Paperboard
  • Metal
    • Aluminum cans
    • Steel cans
    • Pans (with no food residue)
  • Glass (All Colors)
    • Bottles
    • Jars
  • Cartons
Snack wrapper and disposable beverage cup shown as examples of landfill waste that belong in the trash.

What Goes in the Trash

  • Packaging
    • Foil snack bags
    • Plastic packaging and Ziploc bags
    • Chips and candy wrappers
    • Saran wrap
  • Single-Use Items
    • Disposable cups
    • Drink lids
    • Straws
    • Plastic utensils
    • Condiment packets
    • K-Cups
  • All Styrofoam

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