About Us
“Each of us has a part to play in sustainability. What piece of the puzzle do you hold?”
—David J. Skorton, Cornell president, Newsweek, June 2008
Sustainability is a term is used to address efforts being made to create a balance in the environment that will promote physical, social, and economic health for current and future generations.
Sustainability is not a destination, it is a process. Sustainability is:
- An opportunity to transform/reinvent the community, organization and the world
- A capacity for an interdisciplinary approach to solving problems
- Meeting today’s needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs
Three major problems facing us globally today that must be addressed are climate change, dwindling oil supplies and high carbon emissions. Efforts to move towards sustainability include designing green buildings, purchasing locally-produced food and goods, reducing carbon emissions, purchasing wisely, promoting sustainability in education, conserving energy and minimizing waste.
UAF has done much over the last decade to move towards a move sustainable campus. Many of these efforts have been driven by student enthusiasm and energy. The UAF Office of Sustainability is working to create a campus wide network and engage the community in a sustainable future.
Key events in UAF's organizational and planning efforts toward a sustainable campus
The following timeline represents the rapid evolution of sustainable efforts at UAF:
- 2004 – Sustainable Campus Task Force (SCTF) organizes first Annual Sustainable Living Conference.
- Spring 2008 – Students in NRM 430 class under leadership of Susan Todd prepare a first draft of a UAF campus sustainability plan.
- July 2008 – Chancellor’s Sustainability Transition Team develops recommendations for UAF Campus Sustainability based on 9 categories: Energy, Transportation, Purchasing, Waste Management, Built Environment, Food, Education and Curriculum, Social Sustainability and Institutions.
- Spring 2009 – Students vote in favor of $20/semester fee to pay for programs and initiatives to make UAF a more sustainable and energy efficient campus.
- Fall 2009 – Review of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Energy (RISE) Board created in order to maximize the use of SIREN fee. The board already has a long list of projects.
- Spring 2010 – Student Initiative for Sustainable Energy Now (SIREN) fee up and running.
- Fall 2010 – First UAF Sustainability Director hired.
- Fall 2010 – Office of Sustainability established.