Sustainability at UST
Sustainability Committee
The sustainability committee is a subcommittee of the Academic and Administrative Leadership (AAL) with the purpose to promote and celebrate sustainability at UST.
Formation of the committee is partial fulfillment of President Dease's signing of the Presidents Climate Commitment. The first step of the commitment is to "create institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan" to achieve climate neutrality. The Sustainability Committee reports directly to a administrative steering committee and periodically to the AAL to discuss sustainability goals, activities and accomplishments.
The Mission of the UST Sustainability Committee (pending Board of Trustee approval)
The Sustainability Committee will advance the University of St. Thomas’ mission to integrate sustainable values and promote a culture of long-range planning and sustainable design in our community. Toward this end, the committee will:
- work to create a comprehensive campus sustainability plan in fulfillment of our stated strategic goal and our endorsement of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
- work with administrators, faculty, students and staff to implement the campus sustainability plan with standards for curricular, research, operation, investment, and public service endeavors
- work with Physical Plant operations in developing and implementing energy and natural resource conservation initiatives including alternative energy, green building design and sustainable operation and maintenance practices
- develop and implement ongoing assessment and auditing procedures for the campus sustainability plan and associated initiatives
- publicize and celebrate UST programs and practices that advance environmental sustainability in our community
- offer informational resources and guidance in sustainability to the UST community
Current members of the UST Sustainability Committee are
- Elise Amel, Associate Professor of Psychology, Chair of Environmental Studies
- Peter Borden, Graphic Designer, University Relations
- Brian Brown, Director of Publications, University Relations
- Margaret Cahill, Director for Campus Life
- Jacob Cunningham, Campus Ministry, VIA & VISION
- Jeanne Cunningham, Health Educator, Wellness Center
- Laura Deuberry, Director Interior Facilities, Planning & Design, Physical Plant
- Bob Douglas, Coordinator of Recycling & Central Receiving, Physical Plant;
Chair of the Sustainability Committee- Simon Emms, Associate Professor, Chair of Biology
- Todd Empanger, Director of Food Service
- Jim Gooley, Executive Development Officer, Development
- Steve Hoffman, Professor, Chair of Political Science
- Bridget Kapler, Student, Chair of USG Sustainability Committee
- Paul Lorah, Associate Professor, Geography
- Aaron Macke, Director for Residence Life
- Marie Morzenti, Technical Process Analyst, Information Resources & Technologies
- Megan Sheridan, Student, Chair of Green Team, Chair of UST Food Garden Committee
The UST community is encouraged to contact members of the Sustainability Committee, especially in areas of expertise, for questions, comments, and suggestions for sustainable initiatives at the University of St. Thomas.
Current Proposals advanced to the Steering Committee:
9/15/09: Require annual reporting from all University departments of university related air
travel to allow accurate assessment of GHG emissions in UST energy audits9/15/09: To site two HourCar vehicles on campus for student, staff, faculty & community use.
Funding to be provided by a McKnight grant, a grant from the West Summit
Neighborhood Advisory Committee and $5,000-$7,000 from UST9/25/09: To support a UST community food garden on campus under the direction of the
Biology Department and the UST Food Garden Committee for the purpose of
providing fresh produce to area food shelves, being an academic laboratory and
providing a bridge to community interaction.
