ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
January 22, 2003
Rogue Room

ATTENDEES: Bob Jones, Joni Herbst, Christine Tompson, Chris Jones, Steve Mital, Karyn Kaplan, Robyn Hathcock, Wayne Jewett, Dorene Steggell, Bitty Roy, Paige West, Gregg Stripp, Dean Livelybrooks, Sara Henderson; Guest: Harriet Merrick

Announcements

Vivian Vassal has left the University. Joni Herbst from the Knight Law Center has been appointed to EIC.

Recycle Mania 2003
Robyn announced that starting February 3, the residence and dining halls will be competing in a nationwide inter-collegiate recycling competition known as Recycle Mania 2003. This is a 10-week competition between eight campus recycling programs in the country. The winner will receive national recognition (school with the highest cumulative pounds recycled per on-campus resident). Weekly totals will be posted on score boards in the Carson, Hamilton, and HP Barnhart lobbies. Robyn plans to place ads for the kick-off and then weekly progress reports in The Daily Emerald. Any additional ideas about promotion and ways to encourage competitive spirit are welcome.

EMU Food Service Waste Audit
Steve reports that the Environmental Studies Service Learning Program’s waste audit of the EMU food services will begin next week. Students will collect and analyze waste to determine amounts that could have been recycled, composted, and how much was produced in the first place. They will be trying to determine the best options for waste reduction. He estimates data available in a month. Steve also noted that EWEB has an education grant program and may be interested in funding some energy education at UO.

Reduce the Juice
Paige announced that the first Reduce the Juice competition was completed in November. The winning building reduced its energy use by 33%. Compared to last year, the average reduction for five of nine meters in resident complexes was 10%. There is increased interest from complex directors and the residence association for the next competition in February. A kilowatt-hour saving analysis is available. When the competition is complete, Paige will prepare a more detailed report. Two press releases were sent to the Daily Emerald, however, the only story they did was on the conservation complex. Karyn recommended calling or submitting a commentary for the editorial section. Steve said that Scott Mavin, writer at the Register Guard, likes to cover this type of story.

Subcommittees

Transportation: Steve gave a summary of several reports: 1991 Long Range Campus Development Plan, 1991 Bike Plan, the 1996 Transportation Systems Review, and the 2000 LTD Survey of faculty and staff. He found the Transportation Systems Review and LTD Survey most useful.

Overview: 39% of all trips made to UO were in autos, 50% of those commuting to UO live within a seven-block radius of campus, which lessens auto use; in 1996 there were approx. 3270 parking spaces and a projection that an additional 665 spaces would be needed by 2000. The review acknowledges that there are transportation problems and lists areas that need to be addressed. Carpooling was considered most effective. A large increase in the cost of parking permits in 1989 significantly impacted autos on campus; however, over time this leveled back up. There was no effect on carpooling. Karyn noted that around 1989 free LTD service began. The survey does not list types of alternatives people used.

The peak demand for parking spaces is around 2:00 p.m. The primary suggestion to relieve the pressure was to offer more classes later in the day and to offer faculty and staff more flex time options. Other ideas: build another parking structure, valet parking instead of reserved spaces, encourage carpooling, increase housing near campus.

Dorene discussed the 1996 Transportation Review Working Group Report. Twenty-one items are listed for implementation along with responsible unit and status. She updated the Committee as to current status of each item and asked for comments, directions, and/or priorities as relates to the report. This request will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Other Subcommittees Reports: - Education has not met recently.

- Bob reported that time constraints have prevented Anne from working on curriculum issues. The Environmental Literacy Curriculum Requirement subcommittee, which had consisted of Vivian Vassall, Anne Forrestel, and Jo Rodgers, is officially disbanded for this year due to the departure of Vivian and Anne. Karyn asked that this project be kept viable by making it part of the annual report, and Bob agreed.

- The CCAT subcommittee has met a couple of times with members of the Environmental Design Center. They are still trying to decide on a new name. Bring Recycling was contacted and will lend their support. A meeting with Mike Eyster is planned.

New Business

SCUP: Christine Thompson announced that the Society of Campus University Planners teleconference will be held on April 10, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Knight Library media room. This is just before the start of the HOPES conference. SCUP has taken on campus environmental sustainability issues over the past year.

Proposed Amendments to the Recycled Paper Policy: Karyn distributed the policy and asked that it be reviewed, revised, and strengthened. Bob has talked to Dave Hubin, and he said that in order to change the policy the principles involved need to sign off on it. Harriet, J.R., and Karyn offered to work on revising the policy. The Committee agreed to review it at the next meeting.

The next Environmental Issues Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the EMU Rogue Room.