Denison University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

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.” 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 goal of approaching 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 reduce the 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. (Adopted by the Faculty Dec. 4, 2008)

Teaching Faculty Olivia Aguilar - Professor of Environmental Studies Wes Walter - Professor of Chemistry - Vice Chair Jonathan Maskit - Professor of Philosophy - Chair Administrative Staff Trent Edmonds - Information Technology Officer Marcus Fowler - Associate Director Alumni & Family Engagement Support Staff Robin Brown - Women's Studies - Administrative Assistant Ann Caldwell - Geosciences - Administrative Assistant Students Mark Reid Madeline Mendels Ex Officio Members Jeremy King - Sustainability Coordinator - Office of the President David English - Vice President for Finance & Management Bob Jude - Energy Manager - Facilities Services Art Chonko - Director - Facilities Services Sarah Piper - Sustainability Manager - Dining Services/Bon Appetit

The Sustainability Office operates under the VP of Finance & Management. The Sustainability Office interacts with the administration, faculty, staff, and students to focus attention on ways to maximize the environmental performance of Denison and develop the awareness and tools required to respond to issues affecting them. The office also tries to reach out to the wider community and provide a connection between Denison and off-campus activities.

The Campus Sustainability Committee and the Campus Sustainability Coordinator developed the college's first Sustainability Plan in 2012. Since that time they implemented the plan and did a complete evaluation of the college's progress over that time. The committee and coordinator were integral in the decision to move away from coal to natural gas in the central heating plant. The committee and coordinator were integral in the decision to move to Bon Appetit as the college's dining provider which has enhanced sustainable dining efforts on campus.

Denison maintains an internal password protected website where most of this information resides. Public access web pages have limited information on this topic.