Sustainability at NMSU A part of the integrated planning process

Definitions Sustainability is a state of operations in which economic, social, and environmental needs of current generations are being met without negatively impacting the ability of future generations to meet their equivalent needs

Definitions Integrated planning is the process of linking vision, priorities, people, and the physical institution, in a flexible system of evaluation, decision-making and action to shape and guide the entire organization as it evolves over time, within and without its community

Definitions Carbon offset – a reduction credit often offered by an organization whose project can claim that less carbon emissions were released due to the project

Definitions Climate Neutral – Having no net release of green house gas through elimination of sources or acquisition of carbon offsets Green house gas - Those gasses such as CH 4, CO 2, N 2 O, HFCs, PFCs and SF 6 that cause global warming

The Ecological Challenge The average ecological footprint in the United States is 24 acres per person. Worldwide there now exists 5.4 biologically productive acres per person. If everyone lived as we do we would need four planets.

NMSU’s Commitment April 17 th, 2007 President Michael V. Martin American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment

Presidents Climate Commitment Eliminate net green house gas emissions as soon as possible

Presidents Climate Commitment Eliminate net green house gas emissions as soon as possible Create an institutional structure by June 17 th, 2007

Presidents Climate Commitment Eliminate net green house gas emissions as soon as possible Create an institutional structure by June 17 th, 2007 Complete a green house gas emission inventory by April 17 th, 2008

Presidents Climate Commitment Make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences of all students

Presidents Climate Commitment Make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences of all students Set target date, institutional action plan and interim milestones for climate neutrality by April 17 th, 2009

Presidents Climate Commitment Make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences of all students Set target date, institutional action plan and interim milestones for climate neutrality by April 17 th, 2009 Publish and post plans, goals and progress to date

Presidents Climate Commitment Tangible Actions All new construction and major renovations to be US Green Building Councils LEED Silver Certified or higher (Done)

Presidents Climate Commitment Tangible Actions All new construction and major renovations to be US Green Building Councils LEED Silver Certified or higher (Done) Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring ENERGY STAR certified products (Pending)

Presidents Climate Commitment Tangible Actions Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by the institution

Presidents Climate Commitment Tangible Actions Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by the institution Encourage use and provide access to public transportation at the institution (Done)

Presidents Climate Commitment Tangible Actions By April 2008, purchase at least 15% of electrical power from renewable sources (Seeking legislative support for both solar and wind energy projects)

Other Past / Ongoing Initiatives Cogeneration plant with thermal storage Recycling and composting operations Fleet composition and fueling sources Demonstration photovoltaic parking shade structure

Short Term Challenges Western water law of “use or lose” versus need to conserve Disconnect between capital funds and operational funds “life cycle cost models”

Opportunities Enable higher standards of living world wide through the ability to adapt new technologies

Opportunities Enable higher standards of living world wide through the ability to adapt new technologies Support for new ways of thinking about our world and how we impact it

Opportunities Enable higher standards of living world wide through the ability to adapt new technologies Support for new ways of thinking about our world and how we impact it Higher education will be the primary source of the solutions in addressing a defining challenge of the 21 st century

An Approach Physical resource efficiency bordering on the fanatical Joint use of assets by competing entities Technology, technology, technology Integrated planning

NMSU Sustainability Website

ASNMSU Role Getting word out to students Generating ideas for student participation Submitting ideas to Sustainability & Climate Change Task Force

Slogan Contest Create a slogan for Sustainability and Climate Change Task Force effort Possible prize(s) (need to get confirmation from Deans and/or Provost) ASNMSU develop rules and format

Bus – Aggie Shuttle Use How to maximize? Fill the Bus campaign?

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