Higher Education Leadership Roundtable Jonathan Alger, President – James Madison University Dr. Jennifer Braaten, President – Ferrum College Colette Sheehy, Vice President for Management and Budget – University of Virginia Moderator: Andrea Trimble, Sustainability Director – University of Virginia

1970s 1970 – first Earth Day 1972 – Stockholm Declaration

1990s “We, the presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors of universities from all regions of the world are deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental pollution and degradation, and the depletion of natural resources… We believe that urgent actions are needed to address these fundamental problems and reverse the trends… Universities have a major role in the education, research, policy formation, and information exchange necessary to make these goals possible…” 1990s – Declarations – sustainability literacy, responsible citizens, collaboration and moral obligations, “education for sustainability” 1994 – Yale’s “Blueprint for a Green Campus”

Operations – recycling/waste/energy Curriculum and Research Commitments Advocacy and Engagement Equity Environment Economics Best Practice Sharing/Organizations

Q: Why has climate change sometimes been considered a controversial topic? A: Because it’s a polar-icing issue! 2001: warming is “likely” occurring 2007: “unequivocally occurring”, human cause is “very likely” (90% probability) 2013: “unequivocally occurring”, human cause is “extremely likely” (95%-100% probability)

Operations Curriculum and Research Commitments Advocacy and Engagement Best Practice Sharing/Organizations Governance

“Sustainability is no longer an elective. It is a prerequisite. - Sharp and Shea, 2012

Jonathan Alger President, James Madison University Sustainability and Higher Education

BEFORE AFTER

Sustainability at Ferrum College – Ferrum has one of the nation’s oldest environmental science programs! “It is in our DNA and combines campus, curriculum, community, and the Commonwealth.” Dyer Hall Aerial View of Campus Titmus Farm Biomass Boiler

Sustainability can be viewed as a three-legged stool supported by environment, social, and economic initiatives. The Center for Sustainable Development strives to provide support for sustainability initiatives in the areas of energy, food, water, and biodiversity. With effective integration of academics and operations, the center faculty, staff and administrators seek to: a). Facilitate the development of collaborations that integrate across multiple disciplines to promote sustainable development, use, and management of critical resources, b). Facilitate high impact learning experiences related to sustainability for students throughout the curriculum to increase student engagement to help meet campus and community needs, c). Facilitate faculty engagement in interdisciplinary scholarship, pedagogical development, and research related to sustainability, and to increase connections to the community, region, and the Commonwealth. Center for Sustainable Development -- Statement of Vision

Sustainability Initiatives Completed Initiatives: – Hired a full-time Energy Manager – Research biomass boiler operating to reduce fuel costs and buy fuel (waste wood) locally with the potential of generating electricity in the future – About 30% of Dining Services food is locally grown; no longer use trays in cafeteria to eliminate waste – 80 acre Titmus Agriculture Farm produces produce and flowers for campus use – Upgraded campus lighting to LEDs & T8 lighting – Shower heads modified to use only 1 gallon/min – Occupancy sensors installed where possible – All new buildings and renovations constructed to be energy efficient – Ex. New Hank Norton Athletic Ctr. has energy recovery system, light sensors, and low wattage lighting – Composting system in place – Use sub-metering equipment to monitor energy use in buildings – Implemented Energy Policy on campus with purchases made following Energy Star Policy – Campus-wide contests held to increase energy conservation and recycling practices – Won awards at Recycle Mania for past two consecutive years – Educating faculty, staff and students to conservation practices Planned Initiatives: – Upgrading and replacing mechanical and electrical systems in several buildings – Lowering water temp. to 225 degrees (from 300) for boiler that provides heat to campus – securing funding for a flash freezer to preserve more foods – Expanding recycling program to include plastic bottles and aluminum

Must provide for community: Health Care Jobs Clean Water Transportation Additional Ferrum “Community” Initiatives: -Tri-Area Community Health Ctr. and YMCA (both on campus) -New Free Clinic Facility for Franklin County -Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program (30+ years) -Commitment to Local agriculture through “Farm to Table” program -Weekend shuttle bus service to local towns and cities -Participate in “Save our Stream’s program to monitor local streams -Regional collaboration through Appalachian College Association (ACA) Celebrating a Century! Building a Sustainable Community vs. Having Sustainable Practices

Energy & Sustainability Conference: Higher Education Leadership Roundtable Colette Sheehy Vice President for Management and Budget University of Virginia February 11, 2014

UVa Mission Statement The University of Virginia is a public institution of higher learning guided by a founding vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of talented students from all walks of life. It serves the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world by developing responsible citizen leaders and professionals; advancing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge; and providing world- class patient care.

What is Sustainability? Individuals and communities doing our part to build the kind of world that we want to live in and that we want our children and grandchildren to inherit. It means becoming aware of all the interconnections—visible and invisible—by which our day-to-day choices affect the intricate balance of social, economic and ecological systems. In the business world, this “triple bottom line” for sustainability strategies encompasses outcomes that are socially just, environmentally responsible and economically sound. UVa Sustainability Assessment (2006)

 Multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary, collaborative  Grassroots effort across the University community  No “Sustainability Czar”  Committee on Sustainability  Integrated in academics & research  Commitment by Board of Visitors  Sustainability assessments UVa’s Approach to Sustainability

 Strengthen the University’s capacity to advance knowledge and serve the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, scholarship, creative arts, and innovation  Provide educational experiences that deliver new levels of student engagement  Steward the University’s resources to promote academic excellence and affordable access Integration of Sustainability into the Strategic Plan

 Sustainability:  SustainaUnity:  Office of Sustainability: sustainability/ sustainability/  Office of the Architect:  Facilities Management: Resources

Higher Education Leadership Roundtable Jonathan Alger, President – James Madison University Dr. Jennifer Braaten, President – Ferrum College Colette Sheehy, Vice President for Management and Budget – University of Virginia Moderator: Andrea Trimble, Sustainability Director – University of Virginia