Environmental Council
Minutes of November 10, 2005
Old Chapel 401 4:35-6:00
Attending: Nan Jenks-Jay (Chair), Jay Leshinsky ( Temporary Vice Chair), Glenn Andres, Don Mitchell, Matt Landis, Brenda Ellis, Drew Macan, Austin Levihn-Coon, Caitlin Matthews, Marie Horbar, Moriah Helms, Bobby Levine, Nick Dickerson, Jon Warnow.
The meeting began at 4:35.
Announcements
The ICILE program had begun successfully with electrical use reduction in both participating dorms. The Snow Bowl was using bio-diesel in some of their vehicles. The "2 Degrees" group will begin their educational program next week. Moriah and Nick met with representatives from Brainerd Commons who realized the energy implication of the "pool party" after the fact, but saw it as an educational opportunity for the future. Nan announced that the College approved purchase of a hybrid auto for rentals. Discussion followed about the training needed to drive the hybrids and the criteria for judging the success of the hybrid car program were crucial to expanding the program.
Susan Personette, Associate vice President for Facilities and Facilities Services presented an overview of the master planning process for Facilities. She passed out copies of the planning schedule and stated the goals of the project.
- Organize the way we allocate and assign space
- Continue the integration of facilities management and planning
- Bring order, clarity and transparency to the design and building process
Susan reviewed the plan and indicated that data collection and input would be solicited in the period from February through September 2006. The Environmental Council could play a key role in publicizing and organizing input from the College and local community.
Topics list
The topics list generated at the last meeting was discussed in relationship to how the E.C. could best support the work already being done on some of the topics and initiate work on others. Jay reviewed each topic area with the Council in relationship to those criteria.
Socially responsible investing: work on this topic has been done by a student group. Council could serve as a resource and advocacy group.
Reducing energy use with a focus on the ICICLE program and the Two Degrees project: work on these topics has been done by students. Council could serve as resource and advocacy group.
Paper reduction: Pam Fogg and Nadine Barnicle are working on this topic. Council could serve as a resource and advocacy group.
Working with Susan Personette on planning process: Council representative could advise full E.C. when critical times for comments and input.
Tree mapping: Determine the current status of the tree mapping project and recommend further action by the E.C.
College Lands and Land Stewardship: Review existing policy and College adherence to it. Suggest ways for the E.C. to advocate for stewardship principles.
Green Purchasing: working with INFORM and purchasing of custodial products.
Fuel procurement for biomass program: explore the feasibility of finding a long term sustainable supply of biomass.
Where will we be in 2012 especially in regards to local foods purchasing: looking at current levels of local purchasing and suggesting ways to increase the amount of local purchasing?
Environmental orientation: increasing efficiency, effectiveness working with faculty, staff and students.
Pedestrian Campus: What is the current status of this project and how should E.C. proceed.
Carbon reduction: What is the status of the CRI and how should E.C. proceed in support of it.
Brenda Ellis and Drew McCann shared concerns voiced at Staff Council that Middlebury College has not taken a position on the test burn of tires for fuel at the International Paper Company mill in Ticonderoga, NY. Glenn suggested that the College could play a role in organizing a panel discussion on the issue to help clarify the facts and help the community members make an informed decision on this issue. Nan suggested noted that Env Affairs/Env Council is too short handed to pull together a panel in the time required. However, she could help by providing funding if necessary if someone else can organize it.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.