Colgate’s green efforts were the focus of a “spotlight” article by the Environmental News Network website.
The story highlights the university’s past efforts to reduce its environmental impact and examines its newest initiatives, spearheaded by the Environmental Council and new sustainability coordinator, John Pumilio.
“We are striving to be a model for sustainability,” Pumilio says.
In the article, Pumilio identified four key areas that frame the university’s approach:
Creating a culture in which “all Colgate employees and students accept responsibility for advancing sustainability.”
Sustainability in practice, which literally will translate ideas into procedure on campus.
Sustainability in the curriculum, which will bring the science and practice of sustainability into the classroom and activities.
Fostering community partnerships, which describes the goal to build local and regional relationships that will help Colgate become part of a larger environmental community, allow increased field experience for students, and support local business that practice green policies.
Pumilio also recently announced two initiatives for this fall that are intended to foster greater involvement on campus.
“Eco-Teams,” composed of two to five members from around campus, will work with him to develop training and educational materials to assist campus community members in their pursuit to be more sustainable.
Eco-Teams will work with residential advisors, event coordinators, program and office assistants, students, and employees who wish to “green” their Colgate life.
In the Colgate’s Greenest Videos program, students and employees will have the opportunity to create and judge sustainability videos that are meant to be fun, inspirational, and educational.
Two students — Jackie Gerson ’11 and Christi Kana ’11 — are leading this project. A sample video is available for those looking for inspiration, and contest rules will be available shortly on the sustainability website.