As I mentioned at All College Day (which seems like years ago!), sustainability is an institutional priority at MCC. So, you might be asking, just what is sustainability? In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development came up with a single, common definition of sustainability that seems to have passed the test of time: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In part, this definition has been successful because it captures all aspects of the sustainability movement, whether one is talking about energy savings or resource management or even individual wellness.
Within higher education, we have a unique opportunity to educate those who will develop the social, economic, and technological answers associated with increased sustainability and the responsibility to adopt and model these solutions. After all, we are a learning college. And, as an innovative institution, MCC has already taken major steps in this regard. For example, we are now home to two LEED certified buildings: the silver-certified Wolk Center for Excellence in Nursing Education and the gold-certified PAC Center. But, as always, there is more to do.
Last year, under the leadership of Valerie Avalone, Director of Planning, MCC drafted an operational plan for sustainability at MCC. The full document is available at the aptly named Sustainability@MCC website and is worth a read. Like all good plans, it sets forth concrete goals with clearly defined targets and timelines, but perhaps its most important statement is the following: “Sustainability is an evolving paradigm for planning and decision–making.” As I read this, the committee has recognized that sustainability is not a fad or a trend but is, in fact, a new context in which all institutional planning must take place. Since I had nothing to do with establishing the group or drafting the plan, I can say without bias that this is a fairly profound observation about the role that sustainability can play at MCC. It moves the discussions from the margins to the center . . . if we take up the challenge.
To date, many college faculty, staff, and students have been involved in MCC sustainability activities, and the strength of our college-wide effort will come from the coordination and expansion of these efforts. While it is a little less green outside each day, you can help keep the grey away from MCC by joining in the sustainability effort—either by participating in the committee for the first time or by sharing your sustainable activity/initiative/practice with the group so that it can be included in the discussion. The power to move the plan into action rests with each of us. For more information on Sustainability@MCC, contact Valarie Avalone at <<mailto:vavalone@monroecc.edu>>.
Next week, an update on some of what I’ve been hearing on my listening tour (in and out of MCC).
Anne Kress
President's Office
11/11/2009 |