University of Kentucky
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

In 2008 then-President Lee Todd Jr., following the recommendation of a campus sustainability task force, created the University Sustainability Advisory Committee. In recent years this group has: Led efforts to commission a report on Campus Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Key Mitigation Strategies Created the Sustainability Challenge Grant Program (http://www.sustainability.uky.edu/ChallengeGrants) Formed a Green Building Taskforce and Provided key advice relative to public private partnerships providing housing and dining services for the University.

The mission of the Sustainability Advisory Committee is to promote sustainability within the University and in the University’s relations with the larger community to enhance the University’s standing as a global leader in sustainability. The goal of the committee is to make the University of Kentucky—in its operations, education, research and outreach—a model of sustainability. The committee will make recommendations on a more holistic approach to the development and implementation of sustainable policies, practices, research and curricula for the University of Kentucky and identify the means to achieve them. The Sustainability Advisory Committee shall: A. Pursue the principles outlined in the University’s “Statement on Sustainability Policy and Principles;” B. Develop an annual set of committee goals and planned actions designed to further promote and advance an institutional culture of sustainability in the areas of campus business operations, education, research, and community engagement; C. Publicize and communicate current University sustainability initiatives to the University community; D. Support the work of the Office of Sustainability in developing indicators to measure progress and make suggestions and recommendations for improvements; AR 6:8 Page 2 of 3 E. Conduct periodic reviews of the University in terms of sustainability, including an assessment of the completeness and progress of University sustainability efforts as compared to national benchmark institutions; F. Sponsor and promote campus events, workshops, showcases, exhibits and symposia focused on enhancing sustainability efforts and practices so as to more fully engage faculty, staff, and students in this topic; G. Promote and encourage sustainable best practices and processes in University facility planning, design, and construction; H. Prepare a guidance plan on how the University can achieve a reduction in campus greenhouse gas emissions and seek to become more climate neutral; and I. 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.

Composition Two members from university business operations: Mary Vosevich, VP Facilities Management (2017) Mari Long, UK Recycling (2017) Two faculty members: Dr. Ernest Yanarella, Political Science(2016) Dr. Lee Meyer, Agricultural Economics (Co-Chair, 2016) Two student members: TBD for 2015-2016 One member from the College of Agriculture: Krista Jacobsen, Horticulture (2016) One member from Student Affairs: Susan Wilton, Office of Residence Life (2017) One member representing the university research mission: Courtney Fisk, Center for Applied Energy Research (Co-Chair, 2016) One member from Environmental Management: Bob Kjelland, Environmental Management (2016) One Member from UK Public Relations Whitney Harder, UK Public Relations (2017) One member representing LFUCG: Steve Kay, Council At-Large (2017) Two at Large: Molly Davis, Director of the UK Arboretum (2017) Elizabeth Baker, Planning, Budget, and Policy Analysis (2016) Ex Officio Member: Shane Tedder, Sustainability Coordinator

The Office of Sustainability is staffed by the Sustainability Coordinator. Sustainability Coordinator provides supervision for 5 part-time student employees in the Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library (1 FTE) and 6 student interns (1.5 FTE). The Office of Sustainability serves as connective tissue for the sustainability-related efforts at the University of Kentucky, quickly connecting students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders with similar interest or inquiries across colleges and University Business Units. The website for the Office (www.uky.edu/sustainability) is designed to serve as a web-based summary of these connections, as well as an outreach tool. The Office also coordinates social media accounts and partners with UK Public Relations to publish stories for internal and external audiences. Working closely with the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee (Office of the President) and the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment (Office of the Vice President for Research), the office also leads the development of campus-wide sustainability-related policies, programs and reports. Highlights of the policies and reports include the University’s Sustainability Policy Statement, the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System Report and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Mitigation Strategy Assessment Report. Programming efforts are highlighted by the Campus Sustainability Challenge Grants ($100,000), the Student Sustainability Internship Program ($18,000), Earth Days in the Bluegrass, Campus Sustainability Day and the Pick It Up campaign for a litter-free campus ($12,000). The Office also works closely with a wide range of campus units to develop and enhance initiatives in areas of purchasing, waste reduction, energy conservation, renewable energy installations, green building and storm water management. The Campus Sustainability Coordinator also serves as the Staff Advisor for the Student Sustainability Council (SSC). The SSC is charged with overseeing how the Environmental Stewardship Fee is used to promote and enable sustainability projects that impact students and the campus. The fee is a mandatory $3.50 per student, per semester fee that is assessed to all full-time students, generating approximately $168,000 annually. The SSC solicits proposals from the campus community and meets monthly to review and vote on funding awards. The Office of Sustainability advises on the feasibility, relevance and impact of each proposal and coordinates the distribution of funds to approved projects in accordance with University Business Procedures. Funded projects list. The Office of Sustainability, working in partnership with Parking and Transportation Services, provides oversight and coordination for campus bicycling initiatives including the Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library ($50,000) and campus bicycle infrastructure development ($475,000 FY15).

University Sustainability Coordinator: See Above. Leisha Vance, Sustainability Manager for UK Dining: UK Dining Sustainability Manager researches and develops strategies to enhance new brand concepts at the retail level and provides sustainability guidance defining standards, operating policies and marketing strategy and tactics for UK Dining.