Sustainability Is Everyone’s Issue
Institute on Sustainability at Harvard University (http://www.myacpa.org/pd/sustainability/)
June 11-14, 2008

The campus is quieter. Commencement is over. June is just the perfect time to consider campus sustainability efforts.

* What are your next moves?

* How will you establish those partnerships that will propel you forward?

* How will you remove the barriers blocking your way?

* What knowledge, awareness, and skills do you need to make a difference?

The ACPA Institute on Sustainability at Harvard University is designed for everyone working in higher education including all higher education faculty, administrators, staff from all areas of the institution, students, community members and business partners. Whether you attend as a campus team or as an individual, you will find the presentations, facilitated conversations, and discussions beneficial as you work to move your curricula, activities and campus forward. The number of participants at the institute is intentionally limited to allow for an intimate experience, filled with enlightening conversations, problem-solving discussions, and idea-sharing moments. Nationally renowned sustainability experts will converge with participants, resulting in learning opportunities that are impossible to replicate through other mediums.

Participants are able to attend sessions that provide information on all aspects of sustainability ranging from the basics to the advanced; to network with other college and university colleagues and with experts in the field; to celebrate the successes experienced as well as problem-solve barriers; and to have optional time to create or refine action plans. Whether you are just beginning sustainability work or looking to progress advanced efforts, the institute has something for you.

Successful sustainability efforts result from the proper tools, persistent focus, strategic support, and bountiful inspiration. Join us at Harvard University from June 11-14, 2008 and find what you need to lead your colleagues, campus and community forward.

The ACPA Institute on Sustainability is supported by the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium and the Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability . Co-sponsors of the institute include AASHE, Bon Appétit, NACA, NIRSA, SCUP, and AACC.

An article in Sunday’s (April 20) New York Times reports on Alfred University’s “trayless” initiative. See Link.

The first public meeting of the Sustainable Alfred Steering Committee is set for 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, in Room 315 Brown Hall, on the Alfred State College campus. The steering committee is a collaboration of Alfred State College, Alfred University, and the village of Alfred to promote “green” living.

There are three agenda items for the session:

1. Brief presentations on sustainability related projects currently under way or recently completed at both institutions

2. Announce efforts to continue to gather an inventory of current sustainability initiatives and related resources at both institutions

3. Set up break-out focus groups to come up with a list of potential initiatives or projects, including possibilities for collaboration among both institutions, the village, and the region.

Involved in an energy-conservation project? Recycling? Promoting sustainable agriculture? Sustainable Alfred is compiling an inventory of ongoing projects on both campuses and in the community. If you have something you would like considered for the inventory, submit the name of your project, a brief description, and your contact information (name, phone, e-mail) by entering a comment.