American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment is an action statement signed by higher education leaders across the nation. The statement declares the intent to reduce individual university carbon footprint by implementing measures that address carbon intensive use. Measures undertaken by the university are divided into three components: inventory, mitigation, and monitoring.
For the full text of the commitment and more information, please see their website: www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org
Carbon reduction is not a quick-fix solution. The discussion and implementation of plans towards a carbon-free campus is a long-term commitment. Careful discussions and research has been undergoing review by our on campus Carbon Reduction Task Force, a committee comprised of individuals from the CWU Presidents Office, faculty, facility managers, and students. An external committee has been formed, incorporating members from Washington State legislature, Central Washington University Alumni, Ellensburg community, and public sector resource managers. The external committee was created to ensure the solutions chosen through the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment will meet the needs of the public.
Solutions to remedy environmental impact through carbon neutrality are multifaceted, bringing together the strengths that Central Washington University has to offer. Our dedicated facility managers have been promoting the idea of conservation long before the idea of a carbon-free campus existed. Environmental educational opportunities have been created to utilize the enthusiasm and ideas of our students, teaming students with faculty and facility management staff. Some students are tackling the carbon inventory, while other students are researching the viability of carbon offsets and mitigative measures. This kind of collaboration lends itself to the living and learning community that CWU strives to offer.
Carbon Reduction Task Force
c/o Korbie Vicklund
400 East University Way, 7523
Ellensburg, WA 98926
vicklundk@cwu.edu
1 (509) 963-2386
Task Force Members
- Karen Bicchieri, Task Force Chair, Sustainability Coordinator
- William Bender, Industrial and Engineering Technology
- Casey Dombert, Graduate Student of Resource Management
- Dr. Carey Gazis, Geology and Environmental Studies
- Dr. James Huckabay, Geography and Energy Studies
- Dr. Anne Johansen, Chemistry
- Holly English, Energy Studies Program Director
- Pat Nahan, Senior Engineer
- Bill Vertrees, AVP for Facilities Management
- Gretchen Volker, 2007-08 Carbon Reduction Coordinator
- Korbie Vicklund, 2008-09 Carbon Reduction Coordinator
External Advisory Committee Members
- Bob Moco
- David Reeploeg
- Craig George
- Bob Titus
- Brian Lenz
|
