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)--Oct. 2, 2012--
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.
Source: American Public University System (APUS)
American Public University System
Brian Muys, 703-334-3145
bmuys@apus.edu