Western Colorado University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

Charge to the Sustainability Action Committee In 2005, the students, faculty, staff, and administration of Western State College of Colorado developed an Environmental Charter (see attached) which recognized the institution’s responsibility to improve environmental awareness, stewardship of natural resources, and resource efficiency. In 2007, in an action consistent with Western’s mission and with the Environmental Charter, President Jay Helman signed the President’s Climate Commitment (PCC). The PCC commits Western to becoming a “carbon neutral” campus. Also in 2007, the Governor developed state-wide Greening Government goals for implementation by 2012. To assist Western in implementing sustainable initiatives consistent with the College’s mission, Environmental Charter, and President’s Climate Commitment and the Colorado Greening Government goals, a Sustainable Action Committee will be formed. Charge to the Committee. The charge to this committee is to coordinate, implement, assess, improve, and communicate campus sustainability efforts including those associated with the Environmental Charter and the President’s Climate Commitment. The committee shall provide assistance to the Student Government Association (SGA) for implementation of their Sustainability Fund and will provide prioritized recommendations for the use of the President’s Sustainability Project Fund, which helps support material and energy savings and emission reduction projects. The committee is also to seek grants and other forms of support where feasible.

Membership of the committee shall include the vice presidents for student affairs, finance and administration, and academic affairs or their respective designees; a representative appointed from the faculty senate; a representative appointed from the chairs and directors; a representative appointed from the athletic director; a student appointed by SGA, a student appointed by the Western Sustainability Coalition, the director of facilities, and any sustainability coordinator(s) as might be appointed by the president

1.0 FTE employee hired July 2015 - Already met 2020 carbon emissions reduction goals - Quigley Hall renovated to LEED standards - Helped implement our President's commitment to zero waste goals - Won 2 grants totaling $200,000 to make the University Center zero waste - Achieved bronze rating on first STARS submission 3 years ago - Exploring the feasibility of a 1MW solar array for campus

The director of sustainability oversees all campus sustainability operations in conjunction with Facilities Services. This position also functions as the chair of the Sustainable Action Committee, which steers all of campus sustainability policies/programs and makes recommendations to the President regarding our carbon commitment, environmental charter, and climate action plan. The position also manages our campus recycling/composting programs, energy usage database, and GHG inventory.