Western Kentucky University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

The original President appointed Sustainability Committee, created in 2008, has been restricted to focus on the creation of a climate action plan. It now exists as the Climate Action Committee. Additionally, Student Government Association created the SGA Sustainability Committee in 2015. This committee consists of SGA and nonSGA students, as well as several faculty/staff members. The committee focuses on effecting change in policy and practice to improve sustainability at WKU, particularly those deemed important to students.

Climate Action Committee: Bryan Russell - Chief Facilities Officer Gary Meszaros - Assistant VP for Auxiliary Services Christian Ryan- Sustainability Coordinator Dr. Leslie North - Professor of Geosciences and climate change Dr. Jason Polk - Professor of Geosciences and climate change Jason Delambre - external advisor, Midwest Clean Energy Enterprises two student spots to be filled SGA Sustainability Committee: (names not included as they are transitional positions) Student Sustainability Coordinator position Treasurer Secretary Public Relations approximately 20 members

It is the mission of the Office of Sustainability to promote a culture of sustainability at WKU, integrating principles of ecological integrity and social equity into academics, practices, and partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that WKU is an institution that provides innovative solutions to global challenges, prepares students as engaged and responsible citizens, and observes best practices in campus operations and services. The Office employs two students (20 hours per week) and engages interns and graduate assistants.

WKU created a Sustainability Coordinator position and established an Office of Sustainability in 2008. Since then, much has been accomplished. In 2012 the Office of Sustainability acquired a university owned residence as its office space. The house is being developed as a sustainability best practice demonstration home, complete with sustainable landscaping and solar energy, among other things.The Office of Sustainability is home to the Big Red Bikes program and the WKU Food Pantry. In 2014, the Office of Sustainability created Project Grow, a program that engages student Fellows to create and maintain edible landscape and community garden space at the Office of Sustainability, as well as conduct workshops. In 2015 the Office became the first net zero office on campus. In 2015, WKU was recognized by the US Department of Education as a Green Ribbon School, one of 9 universities and colleges to be recognized with this honor in its inaugural year. In 2015, WKU was profiled in the first edition of "The Campus Wild: How College and University Green Landscapes Provide Havens for Wildlife and "Lands-on" Experiences for Students". The Coordinator chairs the Climate Action Committee and advises the SGA Sustainability Committee, advises student research projects, supports faculty and students in sustainability related courses, and develops and teaches graduate level sustainability courses for the Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities MA program.