University Environment Committee

11/15/07

 

Presiding: Charles Hodson

Regular members in attendance: J. Twark, C. Hodson, M. Montgomery

Ex officio members in attendance: B. Koch, P. Cox, M. Schmidt, J. Gill

 

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm.

 

Actions of Meeting

 

1.  Approval of minutes of 10/25/07

Action taken: The minutes were tabled because there was not a quorum.

 

2.  Campus sustainability

 

Discussion:

Cox noted that there are many ongoing activities at ECU relating to sustainability.  Hodson suggested the need for a sustainability coordinator who would publicize ongoing efforts and grant opportunities and coordinate teaching efforts related to sustainability. Cox speculated that the energy savings might pay for this position.

 

Koch suggested that a real commitment to sustainability should go beyond publicizing current efforts or signing climate statements.  The UEC should make a list of sustainability priorities, as sustainability efforts at UNC-Chapel Hill began with a faculty committee.  Twark agreed that a list of priorities was necessary and suggested that this lis be sent to Faculty Senate as a resolution.  The remainder of the discussion was devoted to potential priorities for inclusion on this list.

 

Twark suggested solar panels on buildings.  Montgomery replied that other universities are using solar panels on buildings mainly for education/demonstration purposes, not to generate significant amounts of electricity.  Koch noted that solar technology is improving and Cox suggested George Harrell is knowledgeable about sustainability and energy conservation.  Hodson noted the publicity benefit of solar.  Koch reported that ECU was recently cited for its exemplary recycling program. 

 

Schmidt has assigned an investigation of ECU’s sustainability practices as an extra credit project for her students.  She will report to the UEC on the results.  Twark reported that Anoush Terjanian (History) has assigned a similar project and will share the results with the UEC.

 

Hodson raised the issue of the new performing arts center, which he argued should be located near university-owned downtown parking.  Koch agreed that there should be a focus on redevelopment as opposed to new land use.  Cox noted that the performing arts center may be a public/private partnership as part of the city revitalization plan.  Hodson noted that downtown crime may be a factor.

 

Schmidt reported that she discussed community involvement in campus sustainability with development consultant Steve Mann and suggested an on-campus farmer’s market similar to one on the UNC-Asheville campus.  Twark suggested a once-a-week on-campus farmer’s market; students might contact farmers as a service-learning project.  Hodson suggested contacting the Agricultural Extension Service, which operates the Pitt County Farmer’s Market.  There was extensive discussion of the issue of location, since a farmer’s market would require parking and visibility.  Koch raised the potential problem that a farmer’s market might conflict with the current Aramark contract. However, Cox pointed out that the next food service contract bidding process could include locally-sourced food and an on-campus farmer’s market as part of the bid. 

 

Koch suggested as a priority asking that all new buildings on campus should be built with LEED silver green-design certification.  Another priority is the protection of green space, especially adherence to the April 2007 green space resolution. 

 

Twark suggested bike lanes/Greenways along 10th St, along with better crosswalks and bike lanes through intersections.

 

Hodson asked committee members to circulate additional sustainability priorities via e-mail.   

 

 

There was a motion to adjourn and the meeting was adjourned at 4 pm.

 

Next meeting: 1/24/08, 3:00pm

 

Items to be discussed: trees/landscaping