Why it’s relevant to you.

My background and contact information Definition of sustainability Goals of Office of Sustainability that may be

relevant to you Why is sustainability relevant to you? UAA pledges – “external” Carbon footprint UAA pledges – internal Energy policy Discussion of implementing the energy policy

and other sustainable actions

Paula Williams anpw@uaa.alaska.edu 786-1515 602-0292

Definitions:

1. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs 

                            -UN World Commission on                              Environment and Development

2. The long-term health and vitality of economic, ecological, and social systems.

                            -Sustainability Communities Network

3. The ability of a system (society, ecosystem, business) to continue functioning into the indefinite future without being forced into decline through exhaustion of key resources.

                            - The Context Institute

Mission The Office is a hub and catalyst for sustainability

leadership, coordination, support and study, and is the medium to increase understanding of sustainability at UAA and across Alaska. Through support of teaching, research, service, and administration, the Office engages the UAA community in long-range planning to sustain social-ecological systems, educate campus citizens, promote and reward local sustainability initiatives, support sustainable business practices, and encourage global thinking. The Office will promote and establish a social, ecological and economic legacy for future generations.

To implement and support Sustainability Coordinator’s Network (SCN)

To reduce the carbon footprint of the University

Advance acceptance and enforcement of UAA’s Energy Plan

Building and Safety Coordinators (09/19/08) The appointment of Building and Safety Coordinators (BSCs) is

intended to assist with coordinating some safety, sustainability, and building issues between service departments and occupants within their buildings. While they do not need to have specific subject expertise, they can adequately serve to facilitate communications between the service departments and building occupants. In other words, BSCs serve as additional eyes and ears for the service departments. Some of the service departments who may make use of the BSCs are: Facilities Maintenance Services (FMS), Facilities Planning and Construction (FP&C), Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management Support (EHS/RMS), Custodial Services, Information Technology Services (ITS), University Police Department (UPD), General Support Services (GSS), Sustainability Office, etc.

. . . 22) coordinating and monitoring sustainability activities

(recycling, energy conservation, postings, etc.)

Pledges generated externallyTalloires Declaration – 1) Increase awareness of Environmentally Sustainable

Development2) Create an Institutional Culture of Sustainability3) Educate for Environmentally Responsible Citizenship4) Foster Environmental Literacy For All5) Practice Institutional Ecology6) Involve All Stakeholders7) Collaborate for Interdisciplinary Approaches8) Enhance Capacity of Primary and Secondary Schools9) Broaden Service and Outreach Nationally and

Internationally10) Maintain the Movement

ACUPCC –1. Initiate the development of a comprehensive

plan to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible.

2. Initiate two or more of the following tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gases while the more comprehensive plan is being developed.LEED silver buildings, green star appliance purchasing policy, offset greenhouse gases emitted by travel, public transportation, 15% of electricity consumption from renewable sources.

Internal policies Strategic Plan Energy Policy

UAA Vision for 2017UAA will be a university of first choice

distinguished for: •• Commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

UAA Core ValuesSustainability and Stewardship

http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/chancellor/upload/UAA_energy_policy_dec2007.pdf

ENERGY CONSERVATION1] Switch off lights when they

are not needed.2] Call Maintenance to remove

excess light tubes and ballasts.3] Switch off computers when

they are not being used within two hours.

4] Upgrade computer displays with LCD flat screens instead of old-style CRTs.

5] Use electronic equipment that goes into an energy saving mode when not being used.

6] Don’t use electric space heaters... call Maintenance to fix heat problems.

7] Centralize and share beverage and food machines (microwave ovens, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) rather than having duplicate equipment in each office.

8] If chilly and the current office temperature is between 68° F and 75° F, consider wearing more or heavier

clothing rather than turning up the heat.

MATERIAL CONSERVATION1] Make double-sided copies whenever

possible or practical.2] Use the backs of single-sided copies

for scratch paper prior to recycling.3] Avoid making copies by using

electronic distributions.4] Make good use of scanning technology

and e-mail attachmentsinstead of faxing.5] Use paper with high post-consumer

content.

6] Avoid using Styrofoam and plastic products... substitute with green paper or reusable products whenever possible.

7] Don’t print draft materials... proofread off of your computer

monitor.8] Encourage the use of online forms

rather than paper forms. hard copy format... only print them as

needed.10] Recycle office paper, cardboard

and newsprint.11] Use re-usable containers and

utensils rather than single-use items.

12] Don’t discard paperclips and rubber bands... reuse them or give them to others who might need them.

13] Recycle toner cartridges by returning them to the purchase point or to General Support Services.

WATER CONSERVATION1] Don’t run water to get a cooler drink...

use ice cubes or refrigerated water.2] Don’t run water continuously when

brushing teeth orwashing. Only run the water when actually

using it.3] Use cold water instead of hot water

whenever possible.TRANSPORTATION CONSERVATION1] Ride U-Pass, Seawolf Shuttle or carpool.2] Use engine block heaters when the

temperature drops below 20° F.3] Consolidate and coordinate supply trips.4] Commit to one or two days per week of

not using your car.5] Don’t leave vehicles idling for excessive

periods.6] Walk, bike, skate or ski if practical

rather than drive.

PURPOSE: Increase resilience and sustainability on campus and

community-wide Provide a forum for sustainability-minded employees to

pursue sustainability, network and exchange ideas with each other, and incorporate sustainability concepts into daily pursuits at the University for themselves and others

RESOURCES NEEDED: Employees who are interested in participating spend 1 to

4 hours per month, if authorized by their supervisor and dean

All departments need not participate. Some may be able to allow more than one employee to dedicate some amount of time

How do we get the word out? What strategies would work best to

change behaviors?