October Minutes
I. Welcome and Introductions
Shana welcomed everyone. Announced that Professor Elie Bou-Zeid is the new academic co-chair and will be joining us in our PSC endeavors.
II. Updates/Announcements
October 21 – PSC Discussion Event: Using the Campus as a Lab. The intention of this gathering is to discuss among students, faculty and staff use of the campus as a laboratory for sustainability solutions across a wide range of undergraduate and potentially graduate disciplines. During this meeting operational programs will share campus infrastructure-based opportunities that could benefit from study, followed by discussion with faculty and students to further develop a list of potential sustainability research topics that solve real problems in the local setting.
Frist Kiosk: In the process of putting together the design document for Frist Kiosk and install by start of spring term. Also working on the iPrinceton tour app.
Freshman Seminar (FRS 142):"Princeton's Ecological Footprint: Using the Campus as a Laboratory for Sustainability." This course is being offered through the Facilities Department and Office of Sustainability and taught by Shana Weber, Ph.D.
AASHE Conference 2011: October 9-12 in Pittsburgh with faculty and operational groups attending and they will report back during the next PSC meeting.
III. Defining Activities for the Year
Revisiting the role of the PSC: Revisit where we’re going and capture opportunities we might be missing. Where do we want to invest our energies? Check goals every 3 or 4 years. Form a smaller steering council, perhaps 6-8 people, for strategic planning. Start in a couple of weeks and done by end of academic year. Should have good representation of student, staff and faculty and be excited about strategic planning. Possible first steps:
- Identify decision-making principles for sustainability at
Princeton University
- Examples:
o Attainable with creative stretch
o Measurable
o Wide impact
o Extensive campus involvement
o Any other suggestions welcomed
Update PSC Charter/Membership
Website redesign: The Office of Sustainability’s website is undergoing an overhaul. Working group members include: Tim Downs, Jon Baer, Hilary Parker, Kristi Wiedemann, Vivian Qu ’14, Miyuki Miyagi ’12.
IV. Policies/Initiatives
Lamp-postering: Awaiting interpretation of undergraduate survey results on how students use different methods of communication and which is most effective. Is a policy change needed to ban posting posters on lamp posts?
Food waste system: Potential partnering with local farmers. Potential problem may be inability to compost meat.
V. Wrap-Up
Student Monthly Transit Passes: Andrea DeRose mentioned that Princeton is subsidizing 50% for graduate student monthly transit passes. Student has to give up parking pass.
Reduction in use of paper: Leila Shabender reported that there has been a 25% reduction in use of paper this past year.
Pen Recycling: There is a pen recycling program being piloted at 701 Carnegie Center.
Delivery of office supplies: Length of delivery service from Office Max will be changing to a four day delivery service from five as part of a Purchasing pilot program.