University of Kentucky
PAE-4: Sustainability Plan

Student faculty and staff, representing a diverse range of academic units and operational departments worked together during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 academic years to craft the University of Kentucky's Statement on Sustainability Policy and Principles. This document includes a lengthy section on implementation that meets the criteria for this credit. When the document was approved by University administration a 9 point charge (http://www.uky.edu/regs/files/ar/ar6-8.pdf) was also established. Several of the key components of both the charge and the implementation section have been met and we are beginning the process of setting new 3 and 5 year goals.

Define, develop and recommend for adoption a university "Statement on Sustainability Policy and Principles". Completed January 2009. Develop an annual set of committee goals and planned actions designed to further promote and advance an institutional culture of sustainability. Publicize and communicate current university sustainability initiatives to the university community. Assess the completeness and progress of university sustainability efforts as compared to national benchmark institutions. Conduct an annual review of University of Kentucky operations in terms of sustainability; develop indicators to measure progress and make suggestions and recommendations for improvements. Produce an annual report of active university sustainability efforts and activities in the areas of business operations, education, research and community engagement. Conduct and promote campus events, workshops, showcases, exhibits and symposia focused on enhancing sustainability efforts and practices so as to more fully engage students, faculty and staff in this topic. Promote and encourage sustainable best practices in university facility planning, design, and construction. Prepare a guidance plan (including goals and action items) on how the university can achieve a reduction in campus greenhouse gas emissions and seek to become more climate neutral. Create and appoint such technical advisory task forces and committees as may be appropriate to advise the committee and to foster increased opportunities for campus community involvement and input.

The Committee shall publish and present to the President an annual report each April on University sustainability activities undertaken during the reporting period. The annual report shall also provide information regarding progress in meeting goals in campus business operations, education, research, and community engagement and establish Committee goals and action items for the following year.