University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

Mission Statement: (Adapted from Sustainability Advisory Committee Charter) The Sustainability Advisory Committee advises the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. The Committee makes recommendations on the development and implementation of sustainable policies, practices, research, and curricula across the University. The Committee recommends long-term sustainability goals for the University and identifies the means to achieve them. The Committee is charged with developing a better understanding of existing incentives and disincentives and to propose more effective strategies. Committee members are expected to solicit input on these strategies and to champion and communicate them to each member’s respective areas of involvement so that all campus stakeholders become informed and take ownership of sustainability initiatives.

Carol Hee, Co-chair, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Kenan-Flagler Business School Brad Ives, Co-chair, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Enterprises Alice Ammerman, Director, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Professor of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health Donna Bailey, Teaching and Learning Consultant, Center for Faculty Excellence Phil Barner, Director, Energy Services Jaye Cable, Chair, Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology; Professor, Marine Sciences J Cohen, Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Jill Coleman, Landscape Architect, Facilities Planning Greg Gangi, Associate Director for Education, Institute for the Environment Richie Grimsley, Assistant Director, Athletic Facility Planning and Management Tracy Heenan, Associate Professor, Director Office of Animal Care and Use Jeff Hughes, Director, Environmental Finance Center Matthew Jackman, Student Government Rob Kark, Associate Director, Medical School Planning Office Vibhor Kedia, Student Government Martha Pendergrass, Director, Procurement Services Scott Ragland, Director of Development Communication, Office of University Development JP Rippe, Sustainability Chair, Graduate and Professional Student Federation Cindy Shea, Sustainability Director Lexi Valenti, Environmental Affairs Committee, Student Government Damon Waitt, Director, North Carolina Botanical Garden Anna A. Wu, University Architect & Associate Vice Chancellor Facilities Services Christopher Payne, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Andy Yates, Associate Professor, Economics

Organized efforts to institutionalize sustainability at UNC began in 1999. After two years of volunteer efforts, the university became the first in the state to hire a full-time Sustainability Coordinator in 2001, and in 2003 the department added two more employees, including an Energy Conservation Manager. The office currently has two full time employees: the director and a research and outreach manager. The office also hires student interns. The Sustainability Office catalyzes the development and implementation of sustainable policies, practices, curricula, and behaviors that support the triple bottom line of environmental quality, economic prosperity, and societal well-being. As part of Campus Enterprises, the Sustainability Office works collaboratively with other offices, departments, and organizations across campus to promote sustainable options for all members of the UNC community. The office serves as the secretariat for the Sustainability Advisory Committee, hosts student interns, manages and facilitates campus sustainability initiatives, and is a primary source of sustainability education and communication.

In 2016, UNC completed a pan campus Sustainability Plan that includes teaching, research, outreach, and engagement. The Chancellor has elected to focus efforts on the Three Zeros of climate neutrality, water neutrality, and zero waste as well as the theme of campus as a living learning laboratory for sustainability.