Western Kentucky University
PAE-1: Sustainability Coordination

The WKU Sustainability Committee has the purpose of creating and advancing a culture of sustainability within the WKU community through education, research, operations, and community partnerships. The WKU Sustainability Committee’s goals and objectives are to: 1) Engage the campus in an ongoing dialogue and sustainability at WKU; 2) Establish common understanding of sustainability and stewardship from which policy can proceed; 3) Develop guiding principles to advance sustainability at WKU; 4) Integrate sustainability into existing programs in education, research, and operations; 5) Change campus energy use behavior and create campus conservation efficiencies; and 6) Reduce energy consumption.

Ms. Christian Ryan-Downing, Chair, Office of Sustainability Ms. Tammi Beach, Telecommunications Mr. Joe Coe, Student, SGA Sustainability Committee Mr. John Coe, Student Television Services Mr. Dale Dyer, Facilities Management Mr. Greg Fear, Facilities Management Ms. Sara Ferguson, Student, HRL Student Sustainability Committee Ms. Nancy Givens, Faculty Center for Excellence Teaching Dr. Denise Gravitt, Architect and Manufacturing Sciences Mr. Brian Kuster, Housing and Residence Life Dr. Ouida Meier, Department of Biology Mr. Mark Pendley, Environment, Health, and Safety Ms. Helen Siewers, Planning, Design, and Construction Dr. Jennifer Tougas, Parking and Transportation Dr. Terry Wilson, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

It is the mission of the Office of Sustainability to promote a culture of sustainability at WKU, integrating principles of ecological integrity and social equity into academics, practices, and partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that WKU is an institution that provides innovative solutions to global challenges, prepares students as engaged and responsible citizens, and observes best practices in campus operations and services.

The WKU Sustainability Coordinator reports to the Vice President for Campus Operations and Services. Responsibilities include working with staff, faculty and students to advance a culture of sustainability at WKU through development of programs to reduce environmental impacts, providing expertise and guidance to administrators, faculty, staff and students, and developing and organizing workshops, events, and other sustainability programs and activities.