Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to an article that recently appeared in the Daily Lobo regarding UNM's report card on sustainability. Let me start by saying that UNM is well on its way to becoming a sustainable university. Last year, the provost formed a task force on sustainability to take a comprehensive look at this issue. I had the privilege of chairing this group that consisted of faculty, staff and students.
The task force not only explored what sustainable initiatives and activities were taking place at UNM, but also developed goals, identified specific projects and drafted policies that are pending review. In June, President David Schmidly signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. This document clearly defines and sets a path to move UNM to carbon neutrality. This is a large undertaking that will take time, but the significance of UNM signing the commitment is that we are taking action.
This year also marked the first year of the Sustainability Studies program led by Bruce Milne. This program offers minors to students.
In addition to these initiatives, there are groups on campus that are engaged in advancing sustainability. The depth and breadth of sustainable activities at UNM are very encouraging because these efforts are getting the campus community involved and supporting sustainability in a very global way.
Sustainability may be a new word at UNM, but it certainly is not a new concept. UNM has sought out opportunities for resource conservation for many years. Since 2001, the campus has grown 3.6 percent. However, the annual energy usage has decreased by 8.2 percent over the same period. This is roughly equal to 740,000 gallons of gasoline. In greener units, the efficiency gains have reduced UNM's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 18,000 tons per year. In 2006, UNM's campuswide water usage was 23 percent less than in 1993 when we started tracking water consumption.
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I believe that if you look around the campus, most departments are implementing some sustainable practice. UNM should be proud of its progress to date. However, we have much more to do. Each person on this campus can make a difference. Think about how you can contribute. It may be as simple as turning off your computer when it's not in use or turning out the lights when you leave a room.
I believe that if we truly account for all our sustainable practices, you will find UNM is not in any way average.
Mary Vosevich
Chairwoman,
Campus Sustainability Committee
