Washington University in St. Louis is a leading higher education institution with a mission to discover and disseminate knowledge, and to protect the freedom of inquiry through research, teaching and learning. WashU’s Better Buildings Challenge portfolio includes over 11 million square feet of laboratory, office, classroom, and residential space on our Danforth and School of Medicine campuses. WashU has a long track record of energy efficiency and carbon reduction – since 1990 space has increased 98% while their energy use has decreased 3%. Beyond the campus footprint, Washington University partners extensively with cross-sector organizations regionally, nationally, and globally to accelerate climate solutions and the adoption of sustainable practices.

Washington University will continue to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and high-performing new buildings to achieve their Better Buildings Challenge commitment. Specific strategies include extensive LED retrofits, installing heat recovery chillers, retro-commissioning many of their buildings, upgrading filters and belts to reduce operating energy use, installing variable frequency drives on major equipment, adjusting thermostatic set points and accelerating the retirement of inefficient equipment, including ultra low-temperature freezers.