Conservation Council Meeting
Science Library Conference Room, Madill Hall
November 15, 2006
Minutes
In Attendance: Eric Williams-Bergen (chair), Reed Carr, Erin
Griffin, Al Schwartz, Ben Dixon, Marcus Sherburne, Rick Scott
Eric announced that Ben
would be taking minutes. Eric will begin
to distribute these to the group via e-mail, and may also archive them on the Green
Pages. Eric indicated the Council will also put documents such as energy
audits and new initiatives on the Green Pages.
I.
Office Paper
In regards to the
Council's desire to see paper purchased for campus use to consist of
post-consumer/recycled content:
a.
Eric reported that Ruta has provided updated pricing
information for paper made with recycled content to Kathy Mullaney. Eric
suggested that the Conservation Council put forth a recommendation with the
Thelomathesian Society Environmental Conservation Committee to University
Adminstration.
b.
Al described the history of related previous
suggestions put forth in environmental audits done by his classes. He noted,
though, that there have been changes in how ordering is done since then. He
agreed that a recommendation provided to the Administration should include
specifics and details.
c.
Eric
recommended that the Council should move forward with a recommendation for
purchase of paper consisting of post-consumer/recycled content, to include
details, information and specific recommendations, to be submitted with Thelmo. It should be submitted this semester so that
it can be considered now, and any resultant actions could happen in the spring.
II.
Recycling
In an effort to improve our
recycling rates on campus:
a.
Erin announced that the
Environmental Action Organization is planning to focus on awareness and
education through flyers, etc. They are also looking to do training for
Community Assistants. It was indicated that facilities can print the flyers for
this effort.
b.
When asked about previous utilization of recycling
monitors, Marcus indicated that he feels the recycling/sorting process proceeds
more smoothly from an access and management perspective without the recycling
monitors, but that monitors were helpful for signs and education. The money
previously set aside for monitors was returned to the University. Education is
the key aspect for participation: It is necessary to focus on the education of
staff, faculty, and students. He noted that even Facilities Operations could
improve its recycling rates. He suggests
"SWAT Teams" could analyze recycling rates in buildings in order to educate the
buildings' residents. Marcus will provide his recommendations on
how to improve recycling on campus, and he and Eric will collaborate to get
these recommendations out to the group.
c.
Reid suggested the possibility of volunteers to go
around buildings soliciting recyclable waste.
d.
Eric suggested the idea of a "recycling tip of the
week" to be sent via email and the Green Pages, and possibly The Hill News.
Council members should brainstorm
recycling education ideas and send them to Eric by email for discussion at
future meetings. He will also solicit ideas from fellow students and staff.
e.
Eric reported that the Buildings & Grounds
committee was also discussing recycling. He noted that a report on campus
recycling had been previously produced by Brad Baldwin and others, and it can
be found on the Green Pages. Buildings &Grounds should coordinate with the
Council so as to avoid duplication of effort. The Council could keep data to
keep the report updated and current.
f.
Al noted that the report was vital to see how the
Council is doing and to help guide further action.
g.
Brad Baldwin
and M.Shuckers should work with Marcus to create a set of standards for the
annual report on SLU's recycling effort.. Eric noted that he can give them editing
rights for updating information on the Green Pages.
h.
Marcus noted that tracking of recycling data could be
done similarly to the fleet data.
IV.
Wind/Green Energy
a.
Eric inquired if the Council should engage in
preparation of a multi-year strategy and ‘white paper' for the usage of green
energy by the University. It was
suggested that a list of projects related to energy efficiency be
produced. It was noted that student
involvement in sustainability audits and improvement projects is advantageous.
b.
Ben discussed current energy issues on campus, and how
our need to increase heating capacity has opened up questions pertaining to our
co-generation levels and the possible use of bio-fuels in the future. Such bio-fuels could entail woodchip biomass,
switchgrass, or biodiesel. Ben pointed
to Middlebury College's
commitment to building a biomass woodchip plant, and discussed how sustainable
local harvest of wood or other crops could be a source of bio-fuel for
SLU. Ben
will connect with Al after the Thanksgiving Break regarding the possible
involvement of his class in this project involving energy
planning/co-generation/bio-fuels.
c.
Reid asked what measures are being taken towards energy
efficiency. Ben, Rick, and the group discussed present and past efforts. The
group agreed that this news needed to get into the public light.
V.
Green Guide
a.
Thelmo is working to produce a "Green Guide" to be sent
out to new incoming students. The idea for the guide came out of Conservation
Council last year. Suggestions will
include purchase of energy efficient refrigerators and note the availability of
compact fluorescent lightbulbs at Brewer Bookstore.
b.
Al noted that he will be working with his students on aspects
of the University's Environmental Resolution in his class next semester, and he
asked if the Council needed data.
c.
Eric reported that Lisa Cania offered help from
University Communications with publications such as the Green Guide.
VI.
Environmental Resolution
a.
Eric stated that the Council should take a lead role in
implementing the University's Environmental Resolution. The Council will set up
a forum with President Sullivan, Vice-President Tom Coakley, and others to
discuss their views on the Resolution and how it should be implemented.
b.
Ben will set
up brainstorming sessions on what the forum could entail. After the sessions a
write-up should be done and speakers should be invited. Ben could facilitate
the forum. Ben will get the event on the master calendar and notify the
First-Year Program. The target time for the forum is in February.
VII.
Members Time
a.
Ben indicated that many of the activities on campus and
activities he has been involved in seem to fit under an umbrella of carbon
reduction, and put forth the idea of the University engaging in a carbon
reduction initiative.
b.
Eric and Al discussed the possibility of Al's classes being
involved in determining the Council's Charge and the application of the Environmental
Resolution.
c.
Rick brought
up the analysis done on campus by Sightlines and that he will provide the power
point presentation at the next meeting.
d.
Eric and Ben
will work together to set up Ben to be able to work on the Green Pages.
