1. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c Envisioning the Environmental University: What Role Can Each of Us Play? Don DeHayes, Dean The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources The University of Vermont

2. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c The Environmental University: Why Does it Matter? Situation: growing “global environmental debt” alteration of ecosystem processes threatens quality of life and economic vitality just as economic deficits ecological, social, political, & economic implications Need : to educate a new generation of leaders, citizens, and ecosystem thinkers who understand “interconnectedness” have knowledge and skills to imagine solutions, design alternative systems, develop ecologically based economies build capacity for new ecologically based enterprises

3. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c The Environmental University is about commitment to change through creative, integrated solutions that advance society’s welfare. “ to find our way we need to better understand how the natural world works; and how environment, politics, and society interact to affect how the world works; and how humans can work more effectively with, and not against nature. We need to question many assumptions deeply ingrained in ourselves and our societies.” Ecologist Dr. F.H. Bormann

4. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c Why UVM? --Vermont - history, ecology, culture, economy, and working landscape -- Strong Academic Programs - environmental interest and expertise across the campus; history and reputation for environmental excellence -- Environmental Council - proactive, engaged, institutional conscience -- Centers/Institutes - focal areas of strength in key arenas

5. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL UNIVERSITY 1.Academic Programming -- environmental focus - major, research, professional pursuit -- ecological literacy 2. Institutional Operations and Practices 3. Environmental Outreach

6. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS quality courses/programs/projects are important, but not sufficient - everyone has these teams of faculty and students/ecosystem approach/problem solving bridge biophysical and social sciences able to think, converse, and analyze across disciplines hands-on, field-based, real world -- forests, lakes, farms, town meeting, etc. enrichments -- internships, problem-based and travelcourses, research, service learning

7. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c Academic Challenges “Society has problems, our institutions have disciplines” and they don’t match up Kellogg Commission Faculty are mostly discipline-focused, speak different languages Curricula are more often fragmented than integrated Tradition of reductionism in conducting research University structures and incentives often celebrate disciplines, isolate faculty into specialty areas, and create academic silos Must find a way to encourage and reward teaching and research that integrates across disciplines, e.g., ecology & economics, resource & business mgmt, nature and culture, etc…

8. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c Assessments of Future Needs Call for: “integrated approaches that emphasize ecological and social sustainability” NRC Report “ability to integrate biological, physical, and social sciences” USFS Workforce Analysis emphasis on “coupled human and natural systems”, “people and technology”, “interdisciplinary … research” NSF “Multi- and Interdisciplinary Understanding of Environmental Issues - EPA Assessment

9. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c “a Need to Build a New Science of Sustainability” - National Council of Science and the Environment a Greater Understanding of Ecosystem Processes, including Human Systems as Drivers of Natural Cycles, and Valuation of Ecosystem Services Issues Related to Environmental Degradation are Among Society’s Top Concerns for the Future - Yale National Survey on Environment-2004 “Good Science” is necessary, but not sufficient; scientific evidence needs to be put into a context of long-term societal welfare

10. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c Opportunities for Leadership and Distinction Environment and Business -- env. responsible and profitable business, triple bottom line Ecological Economics -- valuation of ecosystem services Ecological Design -- human-based systems that mimic natural systems -- energy, buildings, waste trtmt, etc. Human and Ecosystem Health -- connections of human health, ecosystems, pollution -- medicine, health science

11. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c ECOLOGICAL LITERACY appreciate importance of environmental issues to society and quality of life responsibility toward achieving a healthy and sustainable natural world informed citizens liberal education -- engaging minds, critical thinking about environmental matters

12. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c ECOLOGICAL LITERACY general ed. requirement for all students focused on ecosystem thinking, respect for nature, interdependency of humankind and natural world Ecological Literacy certificate or minor - broad context involves all academic units perhaps our most important responsibility and contribution as an environmental university is to insure our graduates are ecologically literate

13. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c INSTITUTIONAL OPERATIONS AND PRACTICES UVM should serve as a model for environmentally responsible operations with minimal local impact Mgmt of campus, stormwater, and buildings Reduction and innovation-use of water, energy,fuels Safe and progressive waste disposal & recycling Healthy working and living environment land stewardship, working landscape, model forests Progressive transportation and parking plan Follow the lead of the Environmental Council Set goals, track progress, engage the community

14. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c PRACTICE WHAT WE TEACH Incorporate ecological design principles into building design, renovation and construction and follow LEED guidelines model for energy efficiency minimize harmful substances “green certified” forest products (from our lands) recycled steel, wood, and other materials innovations in heating, cooling, wastewater trtmt cost effectiveness Buildings become active “learning centers”, part of the curriculum, and models for what can be done

15. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c Environmental Outreach Deploy the universities intellectual and human resources to address real problems in the real world problem courses - teams of students and faculty student research, honors projects, service learning certificate programs for community Land Conservation Ecological Economics Environmental Business Ventures annual “Summer Environmental Institute” and Lake Champlain Field Station connected to other institutions

16. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS Extend our impact and exposure to new ideas (other institutions, agencies, non-profits) Examples Environmental Law Center at Vermont Law School Vermont Monitoring Cooperative ECHO at The Leahy Center on Lake Champlain

17. The UNIVERSITY of VERMONT The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources “c UVM is poised to become the premier environmental university -Capitalize on our strengths and the special Vermont sense of place -Everyone in our community can pitch in, everyone in our community can benefit -Educate a new generation of thoughtful, accountable citizens and leaders, and model how it can be done -Ultimately, reduce the Global Environmental Debt and improve quality of life