American Public University System Recognized by American College & University Presidents' Climate Co
American Public University System Recognized by American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment for Sustainability Initiatives
Sole Online Signatory, also Recognized by Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, Sets Exemplary Model for Local, National Peer Institutions
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Public University System (APUS) today announced that it has been recognized by the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) for its use of solar energy and progress toward achieving climate neutrality.
APUS, the only fully online ACUPCC signatory and a charter member, recently completed construction of West Virginia's largest solar array and opened its new energy-efficient Finance Center on September 18. Its participation reflects a promise to continue to work toward reducing the school's already low environmental impact, according to Dr. Wallace E. Boston, APUS president and CEO.
"We are honored to be recognized by ACUPCC for our ongoing efforts to promote a more sustainable future for our students, our communities and our country," said Boston. "Our online platform not only enables enhanced access and affordability for our remote students, it also reduces our overall carbon footprint to a small fraction of that generated by most other participating schools."
APUS was highlighted by ACUPCC for its sustainability efforts, along with some larger research institutions, in the organization's report, "Celebrating Five Years of Climate Leadership." The recognition is the most recent milestone in the school's ongoing initiatives, including the recent construction on reclaimed brownfields of its two-year-old Academic Center and new Finance Center, each of which is targeted for LEED certification at the Gold Level or higher, per standards set by the US Green Building Council.
In related news, APUS was also recently honored by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia for its historic preservation efforts in Charles Town, West Virginia. Since establishing its headquarters there a decade ago, APUS has renovated 17 downtown homes and structures into modern buildings with updated HVAC, wiring and plumbing, as well as renovations associated with current building code requirements and LEED guidelines for energy efficiency. The University has worked to ensure that its renovated and newly-constructed buildings maintain the historical character of the other buildings and homes in the downtown area, while avoiding occupying vacant retail space.
"APUS is dedicated to sharing information and best practices with others who may be interested in developing "greener" practices for their own organizations or in their personal lives," added Boston. "We seek to lead by example in demonstrating our corporate citizenship commitment to our local communities, as well as to other higher education institutions and communities nationwide."
APUS's additional sustainability efforts include an adaptive re-use policy, a comprehensive recycling program, usage of environmentally-friendly cleaning products and an employee carpooling program, along with the use of electric vehicles for local business travel. For more information, visit http://apus-sustainability.com/.
About American Public University System
American Public University System, winner of the Sloan Consortium's 2009 Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and two-time recipient of Sloan's Effective Practices Award, offers 87 online degree programs through American Public University and American Military University. APUS's relevant curriculum, affordability and flexibility help more than 100,000 working adults worldwide pursue degrees in a diverse variety of subjects. For further information, visit www.apus.edu.
American Public University System
Brian Muys, 703-334-3145
bmuys@apus.edu
KEYWORDS: United States North America West Virginia
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