12 noon

Butler/Wu, Private Dining Room

Committee Attendees: Peter Allen, Kathryn Andersen, Andy Dobson, Katharine Hackett, Robin Izzo, Emmanuel Kreike, Tom Nyquist, Stu Orefice, Barclay Satterfield Leila Shabender, David Wilcove, Shana Weber, Don Weston

Committee Members Absent: Janet Gruschow, Michael McKay

Guests: Mary Banfield, Patrick Caddeau, Rick Curtis, Jeff Domanski, Steve Elwood, Carole Loffredo, Dennis Markatos, Ruth Schwab, Christian Wildberg

Tom Nyquist welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made. Tom reported the request for the creation of the Office of Sustainability was approved. The following items were discussed:

Farmers Market

Kathryn Andersen '08 gave a brief background of the proposed Farmers Market. Due to produce availability, semester schedules, and university approval, a market in the spring of 2007 is not feasible. Katy stated a one or two month market is being planned for Thursday afternoons on the lawn of the Frist Campus Center in the fall. Katy is working with Sherry Dudas of the Honeybrook Organic Farm to set up a list of farmers. Seeking the advice of an expert such as Nina Planck, and maintaining momentum and current interest in a market from spring until fall, were discussed. Having a farmers market during other events on campus such as Earth Day, Communiversity Day, Residential College picnics and the Staff Picnic were suggested. Stu Orefice offered to present the idea of a farmers market to the Staff Picnic Committee, Office of Human Resources.

On Campus Garden Project

Ruth Schwab '09 reported a year-round, student-run organic garden has been proposed by Greening Princeton starting this spring at Forbes College. Ruth stated Forbes College donated $5,500 for the creation of the garden. Funding from other sources, such as grants and alumni donations may be pursued. Ruth stated that approximately 50 students have signed up for the project and faculty members have expressed an interest in the project. The proposed location for the garden runs along the south side of the Forbes Addition and borders on the Springdale golf course. Ruth stated the garden , which is approximately 22' x 30', will need approximately six hours of sunlight and have easy access to water. Soil analysis and the use of pesticides were also discussed.

Andy Dobson asked why there were no fruit trees on campus. Tom Nyquist will check with Jim Consolloy, Manager of Grounds, and report back to the committee.

PSC supports the idea of an organic garden.

Working Group Structure/Projects

A proposed structure to address sustainability issues at Princeton was presented by Shana. Working groups will be formed to work on specific areas, with representation from staff, students, faculty, and administration. There are three main areas to be addressed: Institutional Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Resource Conservation, and Education. Shana distributed the 2007 Draft Working Groups Proposal, dated 1/24/97. If committee members have any recommendations to add to the draft document, please let her know. Shana stated it would be helpful if all working groups identify a leader for each area. Tom Nyquist stated if committee members have a particular interest in one of the working group areas, please contact him or Shana.

Shana reported that the Sustainability Goals Subcommittee - Mike McKay, David Wilcove, Posie Harwood, and Shana -- met on December 18th. The goal of this subcommittee will be to serve as the central body for review and compilation of goals set by each working group.

Web Development Project

Shana Weber reported she is working with Michael Muzzie from OIT on the redesign of the PSC website (formerly knows as PEOC). Shana presented a draft mock up of the website which included animation that may be used to add an artistic element to the site. A portal will direct people to Office of Sustainability and to the PSC and will include a calendar, announcements, sustainability issues, projects, photographs, etc. Having information on the portal site that shows a cooperative and collaborative effort at Princeton regarding sustainability is important.

Shana will continue to work with OIT on the web page project and an update will be given to the PSC for a policy decision on the final version.

Announcement

Shana reported Anthony Cortese will be on campus on Friday, February 2, to discuss Climate Commitment. Tony is President of Second Nature, a nonprofit organization whose effort is to make "healthy, just, and environmentally sustainable action a foundation of all learning and practice in higher education." The Climate Commitment is gaining momentum across the nation. The commitment will require institutions to devise a plan for reaching carbon neutral status as soon as possible. Shana stated if anyone is interested in learning more about the growing national discussion surrounding climate commitments and carbon neutrality you are encouraged to attend the presentation. A formal notice will be sent to PSC members, SURGE, Greening Princeton, and faculty with the location and time for Tony's presentation.

The next meeting will be held on February 21, 2007, 12 noon at Butler College.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary E. Banfield
Executive Assistant
Facilities, Office of the Vice President