Speakers at an outdoor event last Wednesday highlighted the role of environmental friendliness in the Administration’s long term Strategic Plan. The speeches focused on green housing, campus recycling, and thoughtful energy use, while students had the opportunity to test-drive a hybrid car throughout the day.
“For the past two years we have been engaged in the development of a new strategic plan for the University,” said President Doug Bennet. “Stewardship of the environment is a priority in that plan.” He noted that the primary points of the plan are energy conservation and waste management.
“Together, they will contribute to a healthier environment, yield economic benefits, and result in a cleaner, more attractive campus,” he said.
Bennet, Vice President for Finance and Administration Marcia Bromberg, and WSA President Emily Polak ’05 spoke on Wednesday.
“The number and breadth of participants in this program exemplifies the collaborative nature of the initiative,” Bromberg said. “It is an effort that has grown from the grass roots—through student interest and commitment.” She emphasized Wesleyan’s partnership with the Connecticut Consortium of Independent Colleges as demonstrating the expanse of participation in the project.
“I’d say that the University has been reluctant to embrace more long-term, system-wide environmental initiatives in favor of more cosmetic changes,” said Jesse Young ’06, a member of the Environmental Organizers’ Network (EON). “But they seem more willing now to adopt a more pro-active environmental agenda, and they’re listening and working with us, so it could prove to be a really great gain if they commit over the long run.”
Speakers noted that environmental-friendliness has influenced all aspects of the Strategic Plan. The University expects the new Fauver Field residences to be recognized by the US Green Building Council as high-performance, sustainable buildings in accordance with Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) standards. New construction projects earn LEED points for features like water-efficient landscaping or use of recycled materials.
“Most of these students are here to get an education and don’t think about things like conserving energy, and they won’t until they’re paying the bills out of their back pocket,” said Gene Payne, Wesleyan’s heating and ventilation air conditioning utility mechanic, according to the Wesleyan Connection.
The 140 existing senior woodframe houses are the greatest energy-wasters on campus. As part of the Strategic Plan, the senior prototype houses currently under construction will feature geothermal heating and cooling.
The University is also looking into replacing campus service trucks and vans with energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. A Honda Accord hybrid was on display on Wednesday and available ffor test drives.
“I’ve never been up close to [a hybrid], but it really doesn’t look that different to me,” said Justin Freiburg, a graduate student. Although gas is a hybrid’s main source of energy, an electric system assists the motor, improving efficiency.
The Strategic Plan also includes a stepped-up recycling program, to be led by a Campus Recycling Committee composed of students, faculty, and staff.
“Our biggest accomplishment is the purchase, and soon set-up, of bottles/cans and paper recycling bins in every dorm on Foss Hill” said Jacob Mirsky ’08, a member of the committee. “That was a really huge success and our most visible victory. a
The committee is striving to make the recycling program high-profile and accessible on campus.
In his speech Bennet emphasized that the cooperation of the students, particularly of the Environmental Organizing Network (EON) would be vital to the success of the plan.
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