12 noon

Butler/Wu, Private Dining Room
 

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

Committee Members Absent: Peter Allen, Robin Izzo

Guests: Jon Baer, Mary Banfield, Amy Carmody, Rick Curtis, Frances deSaussure, Jeff Domanski, Steve Elwood, Chad Klaus, Tom Kreutz, Carole Loffredo, Scott Moore

Michael McKay welcomed every one to the meeting and introduced Shana Weber, Princeton's Sustainability Manager.

SUSTAINABILITY

Shana gave an overview of her role and goals as the Sustainability Manager at Princeton.  Shana stated that she is committed to improving Princeton's commitment to become a leader in sustainability.  The global climate change and reducing the increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide emissions and green gasses are two of her top priorities.

Shana recommended the name of the committee be officially changed to the Princeton Sustainability Committee (PSC).  The role and purpose of the Committee were discussed and other names were suggested.  Mike asked Shana to make the final decision on the name change and send an email to the committee for their endorsement and support.

Office of Sustainability Proposal

Shana requested the creation of an "Office of Sustainability".   Shana currently has student interns working with her on sustainability programs and promotional material.  Shana stated that she also has 10 students who are interested in being trained to write and produce sustainability-related radio pieces to be aired nationally.  Mike McKay asked Mary Banfield to contact Ann Halliday, Associate Secretary in the Office of the President, to officially request the establishment of the Office of Sustainability and to confirm that this request/change is within University Policy.

Committee Projects

• Campus-wide survey:   Shana recommended a campus wide survey be given to learn how well people understand what sustainability is and what programs currently exist on campus.  Mike stated Jed Marsh in the Provost's Office oversees campus-wide surveys; he suggested that Shana contact him.

• Focus the Nation Event on Stabilizing the Climate in the 21st Century:Shana reported a major initiative to collaboratively engage nationwide in a discussion on global warming will be held in January 2008.  This major educational event will include teams of faculty, staff, and students at over 1000 colleges, universities and high schools across the US.  Shana stated a steering committee should be formed.  Several events are already being planned on campus that may qualify for Princeton's participation in this program.   

• PEOC Website:  Shana stated the current website for PEOC needs to be redone so it is more dynamic and appealing to the public.  If Committee members have any suggestions or recommendations for the website, please let Shana know.

FARMERS' MARKET

Kathryn Andersen reported a Farmers Market will be held in the spring.  Legal issues and logistics are being worked out.  A fall event may be considered depending on interest and the outcome of the spring event.

PEI
Katharine Hackett reported a "Food, Ethics and Environment" Conference sponsored by PEI will be held November 16 and 17.  Registration is required. Additional information about the conference can be found on the PEI website, http://web.princeton.edu/sites/pei/

Proposed dates for upcoming meetings (12 noon at Butler, Special Dining Room):

• November 29
• January 10  (Rescheduled to January 24)
• February 21
• April 4
• May 9

Respectfully submitted,

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