President’s Blog
SOU and Sustainability
October 20, 2008
Dear Campus Community:
SOU continues to make headlines related to sustainability. We've just learned that, based on our green power purchasing and other factors, the Environmental Protection Agency is going to name SOU one of the top twenty universities for green power. This is wonderful news, a great testament to the work done by our students, faculty, and staff—and our hardworking Sustainability Council.
Eric Dittmer recently sent me a list of sustainability-related initiatives undertaken by students, faculty, and staff:
Capstone, practicum, and volunteer efforts by students (with faculty and staff support) include two pilot xeriscaping plots on campus; pilot recycling bins and procedures established for Suzy Residence Hall (with help from Ashland Sanitary); and a "Reduce Your Environmental Footprint" handout for all incoming freshmen prepared by the Sustainability Council (with the editing help of Dee Perez).
Additionally, we are expanding efforts to address sustainability in the classroom with a course offered by Vicky Sturtevant, coursework offered through the School of Business, and plans for a Sustainability concentration in the new Environmental Studies curriculum.
With the great assistance of Keith Beed, SOU is also installing a new boiler for more efficient heating. And, of course, we continue to celebrate the beautiful new Higher Education Center in Medford—for which we will apply for LEED platinum certification.
At our October Campus Connections event, some people asked me how they could learn more about sustainability in their own work and personal lives.
Jonathan Eldridge immediately pointed me to the Sustainability page on the SOU website, which links to ways for us to live more "green": http://sou.edu/sustainable/whatcanido.html .
Eric Dittmer also sent me tips from the Department of Environmental Quality:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/programs/sustainability/10ways.htm
And he sent another from the Natural Resources Defense Council:
http://www.nrdc.org/greenliving/?gclid=COyivpXSnZYCFRNOagodNGEO6w
Check these out—you'll learn great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help our planet.
I applaud everyone's efforts as SOU establishes itself as a leader in sustainability.
Thank you!
Mary Cullinan
