Denison University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

The mission of Denison University is “to inspire and educate students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens of a democratic society.” As critical thinkers, we acknowledge the evidence that climate, air and water quality, and natural resource availability are changing on a global scale in ways that adversely affect the ecology of the planet and human welfare. As moral agents, we recognize that the College and all individuals who are part of the Denison community share responsibility in contributing to environmental change by reducing both resource consumption and the production of waste. As active citizens, individually and institutionally, we are committed to playing a leadership role in advancing a sustainable future for our world. We will do this by example, reducing the environmental impact of the College through the use of sustainable practices, and through education and research, advancing society’s knowledge and commitment to sustainable practices. More specifically, Denison University and all members of the Denison community are committed to reducing resource consumption and waste production with the goal of approaching carbon neutrality. We will assess the environmental impact of the activities and resources needed to fulfill the mission of the College and 1) seek sustainable options for meeting those needs, 2) make the best use of resources and reuse or recycle them when possible, 3) dispose of waste in ways that reduce the negative impact, and 4) take into consideration the life cycle and environmental impact of materials and products purchased by the College. Moreover, we will endeavor to advance the knowledge base that will enable us to protect and preserve the earth's resources.

(Adopted by the Faculty Dec. 4, 2008)

Teaching Faculty
Joe Reczek - Professor of Chemistry - Chair
Gary Baker - Professor of Modern Languages - Vice Chair
Cristina Caldari-Torres - Professor of Biology

Administrative Staff
Zane Buxton - Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer
Patrick Pratt - Associate Director Digital Communications - Advancement Communications

Support Staff
Robin Brown - Gender & Women's Studies - Administrative Assistant
Samantha Smith - Financial Wellness Coach - Financial Aid

Students
Jakob Lucas
Lia Haile

Ex Officio Members
Jeremy King - Director of Sustainability & Campus Improvement
David English - Vice President for Finance & Management
Michael Seifert - Energy Manager - Facilities Services
Jake Preston - Director - Physical Plant
Michael Supp - Director - Facilities Operations
Adam Poling - Manager - Dining Services/Bon Appetit
Kim Byce - Coordinator - Homestead
Ginny Sharkey - Director - Institutional Communications - University Communications

The Sustainability Office operates under the VP of Finance & Management. The Sustainability Office interacts with the administration, faculty, staff, and students to focus attention on ways to maximize the environmental performance of Denison and develop the awareness and tools required to respond to issues affecting them. The office also tries to reach out to the wider community and provide a connection between Denison and off-campus activities.

The Campus Sustainability Committee and the Director of Sustainability have completed a regular review of the campus Sustainability Plan and are making updates that will align the plan with the College's new strategic plan.

The committee has been integral in getting the college to recommit to its 2030 carbon neutral goal and to extend that to a 2045 net zero goal.

The committee and Director were integral in the decision to keep Bon Appetit as the college's dining provider which has enhanced sustainable dining efforts on campus.