The Environmental Issues Committee met monthly during the academic year and addressed the topics listed below. Detailed minutes of the meetings can be viewed at the Environmental Issues Committee website at http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~eic/.
Committee charge
Reviewed the official charge of the committee.
Agenda for year
Reviewed carry over items from last year and new suggestions in order to set committee agenda for year.
Environmental literacy requirement
Advised and supported the ASUO environmental coordinator with his proposal for curriculum requirement. Encouraged him to find academic department sponsorship for the requirement.
Arena
The committee was concerned that design went through the established University process to assure compliance with sustainability requirements. Project cancelled before letter written.
Governor’s Executive Sustainability Order
A subcommittee of the EIC met with the consultant working on OUS’ sustainability plan, to understand the proposed plan and give feedback.
Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Living (CASL)
Received updates on the status of this student initiated project, supported by a subcommittee of EIC the previous year.
Environmental Studies Service Learning Program
Many members of the committee attended a presentation by students in the Environmental Studies Service learning program. They reviewed and gave feedback on a slide show to be presented to the campus community on energy conservation on campus.
Problems of vinyl in the environment
Listened to presentation to the committee by Oregon Toxic Alliance, on problems with the use of vinyl.
National Campus Sustainability Day
Members of the committee attended a live telecast on sustainability and higher education, and discussed the telecast during a committee meeting.
Daily Emerald advertising
Sponsored ads in the Daily Emerald advocating recycling, energy conservation and alternative transportation.
University Comprehensive Environmental Policy Review
Fulfilled the requirement of the Environmental Policy to review and recommend updates. Although this is required biannually this is the first time that the review has been done. The committee found the policy basically sound and recommended only a few changes to language.
The committee is currently reviewing the policy to evaluate the success of its implementation. This review is hampered by lack of information on current conditions and lack of benchmarks and critical indicators to compare with conditions before the policy.
Campus Clean Energy Project
Listened to presentation to the committee by students promoting purchase of wind power for campus. Encouraged them to contact other student groups working on similar issues, and to focus on energy conservation first.
Fund-raising to support a sustainable campus
Met with University Vice President for Advancement to discuss fund-raising in relation to the importance of a sustainable campus.
Earth Day
Displayed information on the committee, sustainability on UO campus, and transportation options. Led a tour of sustainable aspects on campus.
The committee will be making the following recommendations, and perhaps some additional ones when it reports to the Vice-President for Administration at the conclusion of the academic year:
Follow through on last year’s recommendations
Recycled Paper Policy Amendments
Wood Products Purchasing Policy
Staffing and Support for committee
It is important for the function of the committee that members have available to them information with which to evaluate issues within their charge. This was particularly evident in the attempt to evaluate how well the environment policy is being implemented, and applies to other issues as well. We are encouraged by the recent dedication of a part-time position within Environmental Health and Safety, and recommend that this position be continued and expanded.
Adopt updates to the Comprehensive Environmental Policy
The committee has forwarded to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety recommendations for minor updates of the Environmental Policy.