WOHESC
Our Sustainable Practices
University of Washington – WOHESC 2026 Host Campus
The University of Washington is a leader in higher education sustainability. The UW's sustainability vision calls for sustainability to be interwoven in all aspects of the University, including scholarship, service, operations, public health and community. The UW is currently updating our Sustainability Action Plan, which will set goals and drive our future sustainability efforts.
The UW has begun the process of decarbonizing the energy system on our Seattle campus, which will convert our heating from a natural-gas driven steam system to an electrical hot-water system. The University also adopted a comprehensive Green Building Standard in 2024, setting out sustainability requirements for all construction and renovation projects.
A few other recent sustainability efforts include:
- Completing the University's first comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Inventory, including a full Scope 3 accounting.
- Creating an ad hoc committee of staff and faculty to create a policy proposal that calls for developing a University-wide program to reduce and mitigate emissions.
- Starting the Huskies for Equitable Sustainability (HuES) program, a new opportunity for students to actively engage in the UW's sustainability efforts, organized by UW Sustainability. HuES features monthly sessions with information on a specific sustainability topic and efforts at the UW.
- UW Athletics introducing a pilot reusable cup program for basketball and volleyball games this past season.
Conference venue: Husky Student Union (HUB)
The Husky Union Building (HUB) is a certified LEED Gold building, with many sustainability features incorporated into a 2012 renovation that completely transformed the interior of the 260,000 square-foot building. The HUB's open, inviting spaces also contribute to energy efficiency, utilizing natural lighting and air circulation. During the renovation, 95% of the material from the old building was reused or recycled. Examples can be seen in the downstairs bowling alley, where wood from the old lanes was refashioned into items such as benches. Water bottle refill stations on each floor encourage reusable bottle use, and 3D waste signage helps keep recyclables and compost out of the landfill. Learn more about the HUB's sustainability features.
The HUB houses many student resources, including the Student Activities Office, Commuter Student Commons, Q Center (LGBTQ+ student resource center), D Center (Disability and Deaf Cultural Center), and many more. The ASUW Bike Shop on the ground floor is a student-run shop providing maintenance and repair services along with bike products.
© 2025 | Event by Social Enterprises, Inc.
PO BOX 31039
Portland, OR 97231
Office | 503.226.2377
Toll Free | 1.855.740.8417