Denison University
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

The campus amended its governance document creating an elected Environmental Sustainability Committee as well as a full time Sustainability Coordinator. A sustainability mission was expressed and endorsed by the University Council and General Faculty: "Denison University and all members of the Denison community are committed to reducing resource consumption and waste production with the ultimate goal of attaining carbon neutrality. We will assess the environmental impact of the activities and resources needed to fulfill the mission of the college and 1) seek sustainable options for meeting those needs, 2) make the best use of resources and reuse or recycle them when possible, 3) dispose of waste in ways that causes the least negative impact, and 4) take into consideration the life cycle and environmental impact of materials and products purchased by the college. Moreover, we will endeavor to advance the knowledge base that will enable us to protect and preserve the earth’s resources."

As part of the amendment to campus governance, the Environmental Task Force included a mission statement on sustainability that addresses some of the social dimensions of sustainability. The complete mission statement is below: The mission of Denison University is “to inspire and educate students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens of a democratic society.” The college’s mission is reflected in its commitment to principles of sustainability. As critical thinkers, we acknowledge the evidence that climate, air and water quality, and natural resource availability are changing on a global scale in ways that adversely affect the ecology of the planet and human welfare. As moral agents, we recognize that the college and all individuals who are part of the Denison community share responsibility in contributing to environmental change by reducing both resource consumption and the production of waste. As active citizens, individually and institutionally, we are committed to playing a leadership role in advancing a sustainable future for our world. We will do this by example, reducing the environmental impact of the college through the use of sustainable practices, and through education and research, advancing society’s knowledge and commitment to sustainable practices. More specifically, Denison University and all members of the Denison community are committed to reducing resource consumption and waste production with the ultimate goal of attaining carbon neutrality. We will assess the environmental impact of the activities and resources needed to fulfill the mission of the college and 1. seek sustainable options for meeting those needs 2. make the best use of resources and reuse or recycle them when possible 3. dispose of waste in ways that causes the least negative impact 4. take into consideration the life cycle and environmental impact of materials and products purchased by the college Moreover, we will endeavor to advance the knowledge base that will enable us to protect and preserve the earth’s resources.