The Environmental Issues Committee met monthly during the academic year and addressed the topics listed below. Detailed minutes of the meetings can be viewed at the Environmental Issues Committee website at http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~eic/.
Reviewed
carry over items from last year and new suggestions in order to set committee
agenda for year.
Advised
and supported the ASUO environmental coordinator with his proposal for
curriculum requirement. Encouraged
him to find academic department sponsorship for the requirement.
The
committee was concerned that design went through the estalished University
process to assure compliance with sustainability requirements. Project cancelled before letter
written.
A
subcommittee of the EIC met with the consultant working on OUS’
sustainability plan, to understand the proposed plan and give feedback.
Received
updates on the status of this student initiated project, supported by a
subcommittee of EIC the previous year.
Many
members of the committee attended a presentation by students in the
Environmental Studies Service learning program. They reviewed and gave feedback on a slide show to be
presented to the campus community on energy conservation on campus.
Listened
to presentation to the committee by Oregon Toxic Alliance, on problems with the
use of vinyl.
Members
of the committee attended a live telecast on sustainability and higher
education, and discussed the telecast during a committee meeting.
Sponsored
ads in the Daily Emerald advocating recycling, energy conservation and
alternative transportation.
Fulfilled
the requirement of the Environmental Policy to review and recommend
updates. Although this is required
biannually this is the first time that the review has been done. The committee found the policy
basically sound and recommended only a few changes to language.
The
committee is currently reviewing the policy to evaluate the success of its
implementation. This review is
hampered by lack of information on current conditions and lack of bench marks
and critical indicators to compare with conditions before the policy.
Listened to presentation to the committee by students promoting purchase of wind power for campus. Encouraged them to contact other student groups working on similar issues, and to focus on energy conservation first.
Met with
University Vice President for Advancement to discuss fund-raising in relation
to the importance of a sustainable campus.
Displayed
information on the committee, sustainability on UO campus, and transportation
options. Led a tour of sustainable
aspects on campus.
Recycled Paper Policy Amendments
Wood
Products Purchasing Policy
It is
important for the function of the committee that members have available to them
information with which to evaluate issues within their charge. This was
particularly evident in the attempt to evaluate how well the environment policy
is being implemented, and applies to other issues as well. We are encouraged by the recent
dedication of a part-time position within Environmental Health and Safety, and
recommend that this position be continued and expanded.
The
committee has forwarded to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety
recommendations for minor updates of the Environmental Policy.