Green Committee Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2009
Those present: Ray Bailey, Joe Gesa, Victor Zabileski, Callan Bentley, Kathleen Odige, Dan Wells, Rob Como, Nancy Wyatt, Hector Revollo, Susan Thompson, Jennifer Richardson, Barbara Saperstone.
Status of recycling programs on each campus: Ray inquired about the status of recycling programs on each campus. Can we each check on whether hauling off materials is working well? Ray did report to the college senate to encourage campus councils to provide some level of leadership in assisting facility coordinators with oversight of recycling programs, thus providing continuity across campuses. Non-Fairfax campuses may be able to get free recycling containers from Pepsi Co.
Green Jobs: Workforce Development called a meeting to share information about green jobs focus on each campus. For example, the HVAC program at Woodbridge has a mini-functioning geothermal system, the Alexandria campus includes a “green focus” in the Construction courses offered there, and at Annandale green technology is being incorporated into some courses. Milan Hayward is to chair a workforce Green Committee to inform the public of NOVA programs and activities. Next steps: William Gary may be able to tell us if the development of green courses might be an incubator to get interest that can then translate to credit courses? Are there ways our committee might help that along or assist? Ray is to send William Gary a copy of our mandate and perhaps invite him, Milan Hayward, or Sherry Robertson (on the academic side) to speak with us about their plans to include a “green” focus on NOVA’s academic and workforce development programs. Deborah Rosen may also have information about outside funding for curriculum development or grants for green initiatives.
Spring semester program: Callan reported on a potential Green Committee symposium for the upcoming semester. We discussed possible speakers to invite, topics to consider, and formats for the program. Callan and Victor agreed to begin the process and report at next meeting.
Transportation: Ray has been invited to talk with Miguel Garcia about transportation to NOVA campuses. With new construction planned for most campuses, recharging stations for electric cars may be a possibility in new parking lots, and NOVA could consider specially designated parking spots for electric cars, hybrid cars, carpool, rideshare…etc. Callan raised the issue of shuttle buses from Metro stations or between campuses. While there are many peripheral issues to consider here like staffing, there is potential for a survey of students/staff that would use such a service. George Mason University has a Metro shuttle bus. Ray will contact Lena Storm to ask about it. (What is the procedure for getting a new Metro shuttle? Is there a proposal and how does it work?) Roger Tancreti is in charge of college vehicles and may have additional information about this for us.
We agreed that surveys would be useful and that business managers who deal with parking issues on each campus should be contacted for ideas.
Additionally, campus and provosts’ cars should be environmentally friendly vehicles. (Also see Ideas for “Greening” the VCCS, March 12, 2009)
Executive Order Directives: Executive order 82 mandates that we purchase recycled paper for copiers and printers. This does not seem to be consistent from campus to campus. Nancy says paper buying is done on contract. Is there a mechanism in place to check paper composition that we consume? Intercom might be a good place to remind staff and students at NOVA that consumption of paper and electricity are issues they should be aware of. An idea may be a periodical column in Intercom about “green” college measure, or highlighting what sustainable measures are already being taken in classrooms or by students.
Green clubs on campuses: A “template” for the creation of a Green club has been created at Annandale which other campuses can also use to get their Green club proposals done. The creation of a green club is taking place at Woodbridge campus and Jennifer will report on this experience.
The environmental program can act as a recruiting mechanism for campus clubs.
Miscellaneous: Photographs from the symposium would be useful for Intercom articles, so please take them. Susan asked all to consider food service on each campus as a potential place for us to improve our environmental impact. Residue from food services may be sold/given away to those who could use it. Can cooking oil from campuses be used in biodiesel programs? Is NOVA a major producer of oil? Over the next few months everyone might look into their campus food services in order to report to the committee.
Victor will forward a student essay on computer recycling to the committee.