University of Missouri, Kansas City
PAE-1: Sustainability Coordination

The UMKC Sustainability Team aspires to provide the framework for environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation, emissions reductions and sustainability. The team acts as a resource to support and promote the university’s environmental commitments and policies. The Sustainability Team is committed to enhancing awareness and understanding of the principles of sustainability throughout the university community.

R. Kaye Johnston-Sustainability Coordinator and Chair of the UMKC Sustainability Team Subcommittees Education and Funding Co-chairs: Selena Albert and Bonnie Painter Members: Velda Robins and Deanna Sapp The Education subcommittee provides educational resources for the campus and the broader community including sustainable living guides, interactive sustainability blog, eco-educational events for the campus, and field trips and tours. Energy Co-chairs: Jeff Brown and Kaye Johnston Members: Mary Cleveland, Kevin McCarrison, Kristen Abell, Kim Gasperi, Bob Simmons, Brian File and Mike Norris The Energy subcommittee works to reduce the amount of energy used on campus through a voluntary energy management program with renewable alternative sources of energy such as solar panels and promoting the use of timers on electronics. Lawn, Landscaping and Gardens Chair: Steve Jenks Co-chairs: James Mitchell and Andy Clarke Members: The Lawn, Landscaping and Gardens subcommittee initiatives include utilizing more native grasses to reduce water usage on lawns, assisting in securing funding for UMKC Garden Collective, planning plant exchange events and creating a farmer’s market on campus. Purchasing Chair: Cathy Barker Co-chair: Members: Bonnie Painter The Purchasing subcommittee is creating a sustainable green purchasing policy for the campus, working to reduce cardboard from vendors on campus and emphasizing carbon neutral purchasing practices on campus. Recycling Chair: Velda Robins Co-chair: Jody Jeffries Members: Kaye Johnston support and Grace Bennett, Intern The Recycling subcommittee goals are to expand recycling to all buildings on campus, meeting zero waste goals, expanding composting programs, creating community composting programs and reducing trash cans on campus. Transportation Chair: Henry Marsh Members: Marsha Pirtle and John Aust The Transportation subcommittee has created larger car-free and idle zones on campus, expanded use of electric vehicles, assists in creating purchasing policy to ensure all new vehicles are alternative fuel vehicles, and creates comprehensive alternative transportation programs on campus. Watershed Chair: Steve Jenks Co-chairs: James Mitchell, Andy Clarke Members: Whitney Smith The Watershed subcommittee works with the university engineering department to reduce water runoff, develop a plan to reuse gray and storm water, and to create more rain and rooftop gardens.

The UMKC Sustainability Office is located in the General Services Building in office GSB 6.

The Sustainability Coordinator will develop, coordinate and administer programs and advise policies within the area of sustainability at the University of Missouri-Kansas City