U Sustain Initiatives
Wherever you look on campus, you can see the fruits of our efforts – from increased courses in environmental subjects to our dining areas, where we invite you to shop and eat organically and use real silverware instead of plastic. We make greener purchases, too, wherever possible; for instance, many of our printing projects have improved their recycled content and forest stewardship efforts.
The list is long and exciting, and it’s growing all the time. Use the links below or the menus from the navigation bar to the left to review our efforts by category.
Academic
Union College's classroom offerings and research opportunities form an excellent foundation from which to expand its commitment to sustainability. We believe that the following goals should be adopted to integrate sustainability into the academic curriculum even more completely:
• Every undergraduate should graduate with a general knowledge of the issues of sustainability.
• Issues of sustainability and the environment should be incorporated into as many courses in the undergraduate curriculum as possible.
• The College should track and publicize undergraduate research on issues of sustainability and the environment.
• The development of such interdisciplinary programs as Environmental Studies/Science and Environmental Science and Engineering should continue.
Reducing consumption and reusing resources are the best way to reduce our demand for new resources. U Sustain is working to decrease the demand for new resources, while recycling and reusing as much as possible.
In section of our web resources, we outline current recycling programs, recycling education, and material that are recycled. As well as efforts to reduce our paper use on campus and increasing the amount of reused materials.
Fossil fuel energy byproducts are some of the most widely distributed and dangerous global pollutants. U Sustain strives to find ways to decrease energy consumption and expand the use of renewable energy on campus. Here are a few:
• American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
• Wind Energy
• Eco House
• Do it in the Dark
• LEED
• Energy Efficiency
U Sustain is working to increase the environmentally friendly food options on campus. Through the committee's efforts, the College is addressing a number of key concerns, from fair trade, organic and local foods to the use of biofuels and composting, as quickly as possible.
Operations
In addition to efforts by individuals U Sustain is working with departments across the college to work towards more sustainable practices. In particular paper circulation, Bookstore business practices and making available green, organic, fair trade and local products for purchase at the C-Store.
Transportation
U Sustain is striving to make transport to and around Union easier.
Proposals under consideration:
• Purchase of hybrid vehicles instead of conventional vehicles
• Oil filter program
• Campus Shuttle
• Car Pooling service - iCarpool