12 noon, Butler/Wu, Special Dining Room

Committee Attendees: Michael E. McKay, Chair; Peter Allen, Kathryn Andersen, Andy Dobson, Janet Gruschow, Katharine Hackett, Robin Izzo, Tom Nyquist, Stu Orefice, Barclay Satterfield Leila Shabender, Don Weston, David Wilcove, Shana Weber

Committee Members Absent: Emmanuel Kreike

Other Attendees: Jon Bradshaw, Amy Carmody, Connor Cobean, Rebecca Nyquist, Lisa Ridolfi, Mark Smith

Office of Sustainability Interns
Shana introduced the student interns who will be working on sustainability projects:

Jon Bradshaw '10
Connor Cobean '08
Rebecca Nyquist '09
Mark Smith '09

Governor Corzine Greenhouse Gas Emissions Executive Order
Shana reported Governor Jon Corzine signed an Executive Order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey.  The order calls for reducing by 20% the greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020 and 50% by the year 2050.  More information regarding the Executive Order can be found at the following link:
http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/approved/20070213a.html

February 26th N.J. Focus the Nation Summit Videoconference Update
Shana reported the New Jersey Focus the Nation Summit, an interactive videoconference on “Global Warming Solutions for America”, will be held on Monday, February 26, 4:30 to 8:30, at Robertson Hall.  Students, faculty, administrators, and staff from Princeton and local area schools have been invited to participate.  The goal of the videoconference is to begin the planning process for the January 2008 symposia which will be held simultaneously on campuses across the nation.
http://www.focusthenation.org/theproject.php

PSC Subcommittees
Shana reported subcommittee working groups have been formed to address:  (1) institutional greenhouse gas emissions, (2) resource conservation, (3) and community education.  The groups will work on subtopic areas within each of the 3 broad areas, recommend short and long term goals for the institution, and prepare a sustainability report.  Shana gave an update on the following groups:

• Energy/CO2 group’s first meeting was on February 7.  This group will be responsible for identifying activities on campus that have the largest carbon footprints, energy conservation, and renewable energy.
• Construction & Sites group will review the Sustainable Building Guidelines and update as necessary.  They will also be responsible for site sustainability which will include storm water runoff, native landscaping, and open space concerns.
• Food/Greening Princeton members meet monthly and work on plans to reduce the carbon and ecological footprint associated with food procurement and service.
• Solid Waste/Building Services group are working on educational campaigns to reduce solid waste and develop a plan to replace cleaning supplies with green certified products.
• Transportation group are working on plans integrated with the Campus Planning initiative.
• Education group will include members of PEI and the Woodrow Wilson School and will partner with Outdoor Action, SURGE, Water Watch, Blairstown Center and others to identify ways as to how Princeton can further develop its sustainability programs and increase campus awareness about sustainability.
• Grounds, Landscaping & Stormwater members will work on developing plans to enhance sustainability of campus grounds and landscaping, and stormwater improvements.  Shana stated Landscape Committee meetings are held every week.
  

Sustainability website updates
Shana reported she is working with OIT on refining the logos for the Office of Sustainability and PSC and is aiming to have the new website launched on Earth Day in April.  If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share regarding the website, please let her know.

Organic Garden Update
Ruthie Schwab stated PEI, Greening Princeton, and the Office of Sustainability support the organic garden project.  Over 50 students have offered to work on the garden which will be located at Forbes College.   A ground breaking ceremony is being planned for Earth Day.

Other Issues
Mike McKay reported a Sustainability Presentation will be given to the Board of Trustees, Committee of the Whole, on March 30th.
Robin Izzo reported the ‘Smart and Sustainable Campus Conference” will be held in College Park, Maryland, April 17-19.    The keynote presentation will be given by author and activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.  College scholarships are available for students interested in attending the conference.
 
Next Meeting:  April 4, 2007

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Banfield
Executive Assistant
Facilities, Office of the Vice President