Thompson Rivers University
PAE-1: Sustainability Coordination

“The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is dedicated to providing evidence based advice with regard to environmentally sensitive policies and practices that foster a sustainable future and lead to health and economic benefits for the University community. The EAC will act to promote dialogue and discussion on issues related to the environment and sustainability. The EAC is also committed to fostering environmental literacy, sustainable development, and environmental responsibility at Thompson Rivers University that can serve as a model for others.”

Appointed by the Board Brian Christianson, Board of Governors Dr. Tom Dickinson, Dean of Science Judith Murray, Vice President Open Learning Faculty Robin Reid, Tourism Management Jonathan Van Hamme, Biological Sciences Dale Parkes, Architectural and Engineering Technology Penny Powers (Vice-Chair), Nursing Peter Tsigaris (Chair), School of Business and Economics Staff Dorys Crespin-Mueller, Institutional Planning and Analysis Students Kevin Bronnimann, TRU Eco Club Bonnie Klohn, TRU Eco Club JOHS Committee Representative Susan Purdy, Biological Sciences Director of Ancillary Services Gerard Hayes Director, Environment & Sustainability Tom Owen Director of Facilities Les Tabata General Counsel John Sparks

The sustainability office is known as “Environment & Sustainability” and is located in the same building as the Facilities department on campus. The sustainability office has a Director, Environment & Sustainability and an Energy Manager (both full-time), as well as part-time students and interns. The office of Environment & Sustainability is charged with the implementation of Thompson Rivers University’s vision of being the University of Choice for Environmental and Sustainability as outlined in the Strategic Plan. “Thompson Rivers University recognizes that it has a significant role to play in education, research, policy development and information exchange related to the health of the local and global environments in which we live and work. TRU seeks to be the University of Choice for students concerned about environmental sustainability and to be recognized for its leadership and stewardship in responding to environmental challenges. As the University of Choice for Environmental Sustainability, Thompson Rivers University will: > Develop and expand programming and associated research activities in the areas of environmentally sustainable technologies, policy development, and environmentally and socially responsible economic development. > Develop policies and best practices that support environmental stewardship and sustainability in the university’s operations. > Foster environmental literacy amongst students, staff, faculty and alumni, and cooperate with other community partners to increase environmental awareness. > Encourage the development of partnerships with public and private sector organizations in support of environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

The Director, Environment & Sustainability is responsible for advising on policy with respect to the environment and sustainability, working with operations to implement sustainability measures, campus sustainability education, and campus involvement with sustainability issues in the community.