Report: 2009 Sustainability Lunches Feedback

Xavier’s Sustainability Committee hosted four open lunch discussions over the spring semester 2009. These events were conducted with support from the Office of University President Michael J. Graham, S.J., and had two primary goals: to share with the Xavier community the results of the University’s greenhouse gas inventory, and to begin a collective dialogue about where we are now as an institution and the directions we want to take in creating a more sustainable campus.

In all, more than 90 people attended these discussions. They contributed information concerning sustainable actions already underway in their particular areas of the University as well as thoughts and ideas concerning actions the University could or should take in the future. Their ideas were collected and recorded, and will be reviewed this fall as the committee drafts the Campus Action Plan to achieve climate neutrality.

Here’s a look at some of the sustainable actions and ideas that came to light during the lunch discussions. It’s important to note that the current actions listed reflect the efforts of individuals or groups of individuals in one or more areas of the University and are not as yet campus-wide efforts.

Current Actions

• Some offices are working to reduce paper mailings, to rely more on electronic communications, to use paper with greater recycled content and to recycle more paper.
• The Student Government Association is working to make double-sided printing more readily available.
• The Office of Student Involvement is working to use two-sided copying as much as possible.
• The Office of Student Life works to ensure that everyone has access to a recycling bin.
• Physical Plant installed energy efficient lights, dimmer switches and motion detectors to control those lights.
• Physical Plant installed low-E windows and upgraded to more efficient equipment.
• The new Hoff Academic Quad is being constructed to meet LEED Silver specifications.
• More bike racks have been placed around the campus.
• The O’Connor Sports Center provides shower facilities for those who walk or bike to work.
• Some employees report turning off lights and computers when leaving the office at the end of the day.
• The O’Connor Sports Center staff turns off all equipment at night.
• Peace and Justice Programs hosts weekly vegetarian meals with reusable dishes and has launched a community gardens program.
• The McGrath Health and Counseling Center encourages everyone to bring their own water bottles for refilling.
• The Office of Student Involvement hosted a rummage sale and sponsored their own green day during which they served organic food.

Suggestions for the Future

• Create a bike-loan program.
• Use the student shuttle to reduce student use of cars around campus.
• If parking becomes fee-based, offer a discount for those who carpool or use other sources of transportation.
• Promote carpooling.
• Add an employee benefit option of paid or discounted Metro passes.
• Explore the possibility of flexible work schedules and telecommuting.
• Allow employees to work from home one or two days per week.
• Integrate environmental issues into the core curriculum.
• Post signs around campus highlighting the environmental initiatives under way and their impact on Xavier’s carbon footprint.
• Meter energy use in all buildings.
• Keep buildings warmer during the summer and cooler during the winter.
• Add locally grown, organic food to choices in the cafeteria.
• Many attendees commented on the campus’ low rate of recycling and the need for better education and more publicity around Recyclemania.
• Do all interdepartmental charges electronically.
• Promote toner and battery recycling.

This is just the beginning of our sustainability journey together. Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate directly. And, to any who did not have a chance, feel free to discuss your ideas with any of the committee members.

Dave Lococo
Sustainability Co-chair