Sustainability on Campus
The Batten School & VIMS campus has grown dramatically over time, including the construction of a handful of new buildings since 2015. The facilities management team has prioritized environmentally-conscious decision-making in all building design and construction. Thoughtful design details for some of our main campus buildings include:
Davis Hall
Dedicated in 2018, Davis Hall is a LEED Gold Certified building, awarded by the Green Business Certification Inc. Building highlights that earned this certification include natural and high-efficiency LED lighting, low-flow toilets and sinks, a highly efficient HVAC system, architectural sunshades, use of recycled content within building materials, tracking of recycled construction waste, bike racks, and environmentally friendly landscaping that uses native plants, rain gardens, and other techniques to minimize run-off and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. In recent years, the CCRM has facilitated the installation of electric vehicle charging stations for their electric vehicles through W&M Green Fees. Visitors to Davis Hall may also be inspired to practice sustainability, with awe-inspiring views of the York River available from the building patios and back lawn – a gathering place for many campus events.
New Chesapeake Bay Hall
The construction of a new state-of-the-art research facility, replacing the former Chesapeake Bay Hall, concluded in fall of 2024. This building has been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the Green Business Certification Inc. The building incorporates systems designed to reduce energy consumption, minimize water use, incorporate the use of recycled materials. The building is also the site of an energy-generating windmill. A dashboard to track energy production from this windmill will be available soon.
Carbon Neutral by 2030
Along with William & Mary, the Batten School & VIMS is dedicated to achieving campus-wide carbon neutrality by 2030. A multifaceted approach will be used to achieve this goal. This includes using renewable energy sources, reduction in building energy needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and more. You can read more about the campus’ plans for carbon neutrality on W&M’s website.
Waste Management Strategy
The Batten School & VIMS campus is dedicated to reducing waste production wherever possible, including in laboratory spaces, during public events, and in everyday actions of our staff and students. To counter the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, we have a recycling program that accepts standard recyclable materials including plastics, cardboard, and aluminum. Additional ad-hoc recycling is available on campus through various external partners, including printer cartridges and plastic film.
In addition, in 2024 the Batten School & VIMS established a campus-wide composting program and significant progress has been made in sustainability efforts. Between July 2024 and May 2025, 12,043 pounds of organic waste were diverted from landfills. The program has effectively reduced organic waste from the homes of staff, students and faculty, the Community Garden, fisheries research groups, communal kitchens, catering events, and landscaping. Increased volunteer participation and broader awareness highlight the growing support and need for the program. This initiative has been crucial in advancing the Strategic Plan and future growth and continuation is important to successfully reach our sustainability goals.