Mason advances in nationwide environmental challenge

The winner of the environmental challenge will be announced on April 9 (photo courtesy of Enviance, Inc.).

On April 2, George Mason University advanced to the “Finest Four” in a tournament geared toward environmental stability.

“The Second Annual Environmental March Madness Tournament evaluates the strength of environmental degree programs and curriculum, environmental opportunities for students, and campus sustainability efforts in colleges and universities around the country,” read Enviance, Inc.'s website, an environmental software company sponsoring the competition. “The tournament runs in parallel with the NCAA college basketball championship.”

Students, faculty and the administration all mobilized to convince a panel of judges that George Mason was the most environmentally sustainable university. Students created a Facebook page in which they uploaded a total of 265 images, nearly 100 more images than that of the University of Wisconsin, which had the second-largest Facebook group.

“We had to fill out a survey discussing the details of our environmental program, and a panel of judges was assigned to choose the sustainable sixteen,“ said Andrew Wingfield, sustainability studies fellow in the Office of the Provost.

Along with a Facebook group, students and faculty were invited to submit short videos and essays. Members of the Green Patriots put together two short videos that can be seen on Youtube, while President Cabrera submitted an essay in support of Mason advancing to the Environmental Eight.

“Our album showcases the impressive suite of programs our Office of Sustainability runs on campus and in the community; the strong sustainability efforts of AE Green and Mason Dining… the unbelievable energy and engagement of our students, especially members of our Sustainability LLC, Green Patriots and Environmental Action Group, in campus greening, field-based learning, and environmental service and activism,” Wingfield said.

The winner will be announced on April 9 and will receive a donation of $5,000 for the environmental sustainability department, along with other prizes.

“[If we were to win] the money would go to creating sustainability related learning opportunities for the students of Mason,” Wingfield said.