University of Florida Office of Sustainability

Public notice of committee meetings can be found in this forum in reverse chronological order. This is a read-only forum.

To access sustainability committee meeting minutes from 9/14/04 through 3/6/06, please visit the committee's page HERE.

The next meeting of the sustainability committee will take place on Wednesday, April 26, from 9:00 to 11:00 am in Tigert 202.

Attached is the agenda for the April 26, 2006 Sustainability Committee as well as the draft "Mission and Guiding Principles of the University of Florida Office of Sustainability."

Attached are the meeting minutes for the April 26, 2006, Sustainability Committee.

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee, Tuesday, August 22, 2006, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in 202 Tigert Hall.

Please find below the minutes for the August 22, 2006 meeting of the Sustainability Committee:

Sustainability Committee Meeting
August 22, 2006

Committee Member Attendees:
Tom Ankersen (ex-officio) Dedee DeLongpre (ex-officio)
Jeffery Burkhardt James Ferguson
Fred Cantrell (ex-officio) Martin Gold
Eva Czarnecka-Verner Allan Preston
Donald Rockwood Kim Tanzer
Charles Kibert Joe Delfino
Chris Machen

Guest Attendees:
Rob Van Der Like

Charles Kibert called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. He called the roll of the committee members listed on the new Sustainability Committee membership roster. There were introductions of all attendees.

The first order of business was to elect a committee chair. Eva Czarnecka-Verner and Charles Kibert were nominated and the committee members submitted their ballots. The ballots were counted and Eva Czarnecka-Verner was elected as the Chair of the Sustainability Committee for the academic year 2006-07.

Next on the agenda was a report on the activities since the last meeting for the Office of Sustainability from Dedee DeLongpre, Director.

- ? Public face-work with media, students, community, local and state governments.
- Internal face – guest lectures, news bureau, trustees
- Conference planning for October 25-26, 2006. work with volunteers, coordinating program & speakers
- UF-related Events – Green Trends, CBSM (January 17-19, 2007)
- Operations – staff retreat, ARAMARK, Urban yard waste and bio-solids, Progress Energy, Fleet management support, bio-diesel, game-day recycling and luxury boxes
- Education – Continuing Ed. Leadership, curriculum workshop, New Senate Chair
- Summer Intern – frats, bulbs, web, flier, t’s, bio-energy interns.
- Fall Interns – E-newsletter, web updates, carbon neutrality
- Zero Waste – meetings, facilitation (Krause retirement), meeting with custodial staff
- Submitted proposal for award from AASHE.

The report for the Zero Waste Task Force was presented by Dedee DeLongpre. Her comments were taken from the minutes for the last 2 meetings. These minutes are posted and can be viewed on-line under the Office of Sustainability website, Discussion Forums, Zero Waste Task Force, meeting minutes. Dedee showed the committee a sustainable canvas bag that was given to 1450 employees for the Finance and Administration Employee Appreciation Day last week along with the one-page flyer that was placed in the bags to promote "reduce, reuse, recycle" awareness to employees.

Chris Machen inquired if there was a representative from the College of Veterinary Medicine on the Zero Waste Task Force. Dedee indicated there was not and Ms. Machen indicated she would check into that possibility.

Mark Hostetler noted the task force was at the stage of implementation – recruiting student assistance to help in going out and researching all the resources. Time required for this presents problems.

Charles Kibert gave a report on the Energy and Climate Change Task Force. He stated that the task force was also organizing into basic groups as the Zero Waste Task Force has done:

- Building & Energy Conservation – silver ratings for buildings
- Transportation – involving parking and fleet people
- Climate Neutrality – how? Strategies?
- Energy Supply – energy wastes.

Charles stated that they are exploring the possibility of closing some buildings during breaks – Christmas, Spring Break, reducing classroom usage during summer. Since UF is open 24/7, 365 days a year, they will be doing pilot programs as to how much savings there will be. They will be doing a metering program – PPD to get meters to read energy consumption. Put onus on the user groups – run some pilots. Other items being explored include composting, working with Progress Energy, more bus ridership – work on bus stops, increase biking, bio-energy issues.

Kim Tanzer noted that the committee should consider notifying the Faculty Senate, even as an information item, when considering issues, such as shutting down buildings – keeping the faculty in the loop on the decisions/initiatives of the committee. She suggested possibly inviting them to collaborate on issues.

Charles stated that these issues will definitely be handled carefully. Dedee noted that the committee might consider giving the Faculty Senate periodic updates.

Tom Ankerson wanted to note several issues:
1. Water issues. Ondine Wells has done a presentation regarding the status of campus water. He suggested that she might come and give her presentation to the committee in the future. He indicated there was some discussion about creating a task force to address water issues. It was suggested to integrate Wendy Graham and the Water Institute.
2. Asked by Provost to get a sense of campus curriculum; courses offered in the catalog. Divided into tiers and how they relate to sustainability – those that are about sustainability, those that relate to sustainability and those that are sustainability classes. A report on that would be helpful.
3. Look at center programs and institutes. Look at what other universities are doing to bring faculty and students together. Evaluate these. Would there be a market for some sort of inter-disciplinary sustainable interest?

It was noted that there are certificate programs, both sustainability and interdisciplinary classes in some colleges. It was asked what parts of the University do more in this area – noted that Design, Construction, & Planning schools do more.

Fred Cantrell suggested a good idea would be to have classes or graduate degree programs on things like sports arenas, design and how to manage or municipality and how to manage, regarding sustainability.

Kim Tanzer stated that it is important to make sure our academic programs equal the administrative programs. This will move UF up in rankings, as the academic programs are what they base the rankings on.

There was discussion on programs that were being developed around campus that involved the City/County and developers with new concepts that would involve them in the sustainability initiative.

Charles noted a program in Poland that he has been involved with for 9 summers – they work with students, communities, with Polish companies during the course session.

Tom stated there will be an annual Environmental Law Conference coming up in February of 2007.

Charles brought up the Indicator Report – there was one done in 2002 – standards of the Global Reporting Initiative, and suggested drafting the report before the October Campus Sustainability Conference. Dedee suggested tabling this until after the AASHE Conference in October. The conference will be addressing a national framework for campus indicators. She stated there is work already being done for the President’s report card on sustainability that was promised in October.

It was suggested for the next meeting to discuss a strategic plan for campus sustainability and the Indicator’s report.

Dedee will do a survey monkey for all to input their best times to meet and possibly set up a specific time for the future meetings of the committee.

**As a side, everyone congratulated Eva Czarnecka-Verner for her award granted to her by the President of Poland this summer for her life’s accomplishments, teaching and research, in molecular biology – heat stress in plants.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

The agenda for the August 22, 2006 meeting is as follows:

1. Introductions
2. Election of Committee Chair
3. Report from the Director for the Office of Sustainability
4. Report from Zero Waste Task Force
5. Report from Energy and Climate Change Task Force
6. Other business
7. Adjourn

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee on Wednesday, September 20, 2006. It will be held in 202 Tigert Hall, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Sustainability Committee Meeting Agenda
September 20, 2006 – 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
202 Tigert Hall
Eva Czarnecka-Verner, Chair

1. 9:00-9:05 Round of introductions to get acquainted with all members

2. 9:05-9:15 Former Chair, Les Thiele, gives report from his contacts with the Provost this summer regarding the Provost Fellow position and answers questions. Also will introduce a student to be associated with the Committee. Will not attend the rest of the meeting.

3. 9:15-9:25 Kim Tanzer gives report from her last contact with the Provost this summer regarding the Provost Fellow position

4. 9:25-9:45 Discussion regarding the Provost Fellow status; formulating a new plan of action

5. 9:45-10:00 Tom Ankersen gives report regarding the state of sustainability curriculum on campus

6. 10:00-10:15 Dedee DeLongpre discusses the program for the Sustainability Days October 25/26 presentations.

7. 10:15-10:30 Further discussion on selected issues:
a. Provost Fellow; Sustainability Committee guidance
b. Chris Machen-representative from the College of Veterinary Medicine
c. Guidelines for contacting higher administration
d. Allan Preston – tax services
e. Student Government representatives
8. Next Meeting – date and time???
9. Adjourn

The final minutes for the Sustainability Committee meeting held on September 20, 2006 are rather lengthy; therefore, have been attached.

There will be a meeting of the Provost Fellow Subcommittee to formulate a new job description required by the Provost. The meeting will be held September 27th from 9:00-10:30 a.m. in 202 Tigert Hall.

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee on Friday, October 20, 2006 from 9-10:30 a.m. in 202 Tigert Hall.

The following is the agenda for the committee meeting to be held on Friday, October 20, 2006. (also attached)

Sustainability Committee Meeting Agenda
October 20, 2006; 9:00-10:30 AM; 202 Tigert Hall
Eva Czarnecka-Verner, Chair

1. 9:00-9:05; Round of introductions to get acquainted with all members

2. 9:05-9:20; Ondine Wells reports on the campus water quality issues

A copy of the campus water report can be found at:
http://campuswaterquality.ifas...%20Waters%20Report.pdf

3. 9:20-9:35; Round table discussion

4. 9:35-9:45; Martin Gold suggests that "We (Architecture and DCP) now have concentrations of specialization in interdisciplinary sustainabiltiy which will go on students transcripts and be recognized by an official certificate. It would be great to have the President of the University/Provost (?) sign these certificates. Could our committee consider this request and suggest a policy to give these pioneering students the recognition they deserve as part of engaging sustainability in the curriculum." Discussion.

5. 9:45-10:00; Dedee DeLongpre/Linda Crider report on the AASHE Conference

6. 10:00-10:15; Eva Czarnecka-Verner reports on the introductory meeting with the Provost

7. 10:15-10:30; Further discussion on selected issues: Provost Fellow job description (if needed); "Facets of Sustainability" course designation-Eva Czarnecka-Verner; Sustainability Committee guidance-Dedee DeLongpre; Chris Machen-representative from the College of Veterinary Medicine; Graduation Pledge Alliance-Kim Tanzer.

8. Adjourn

The following are the minutes of the October 20, 2006 Sustainability Committee. The minutes are also attached. Thank you.

Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – 202 Tigert Hall
October 20, 2006

Committee Member Attendees:
Tom Ankersen
Eva Czarnecka-Verner, Chair
Joe Delfino
Mark Hostetler
Allan Preston
Donald Rockwood
Kim Tanzer

Guests:
Ondine Wells
Dr. Mark Clark

Eva Czarnecka-Verner called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

Eva introduced Ondine Wells and Dr. Mark Clark, who presented the Water Quality Report for the University of Florida Main Campus to the committee. This report can be found at:
http://campuswaterquality.ifas...%20Waters%20Report.pdf

There was discussion about the formation of a Water Task Force and whether it would fall under the direction of the Office of Sustainability or possibly the Water Institute.
Kim Tanzer moved to create the Water Task Force. It was suggested that Joe Delfino be the liaison with Wendy Graham, Director of the Water Institute, Mark Clark’s effort and with Dedee DeLongpre, Director of the Office of Sustainability. Eva Czarnecka-Verner seconded the motion and it was passed. Joe suggested that he, Eva, Dedee, Mark and Wendy get together to discuss this new task force.

The committee discussed Martin Gold’s proposal of the "Certificate in Sustainability." There was discussion as to who would sign the certificate. The Committee would like for the Provost to officially endorse these certificates. Eva noted that Dr. Fouke is currently researching this possibility.

Kim Tanzer moved to endorse the proposal to have the Provost sign the certificates. Joe Delfino seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Eva Czarnecka-Verner gave a report on her trip to Tempe, AZ to the campus of Arizona State University to attend the AASHE conference. ASU is in the forefront of the sustainability initiative on campuses. She suggested that the Committee invite the Provost of ASU and the Provost of Green Mountain College to UF to speak on how their respective institutions place sustainability at the center or their general education programs. There would have to be a discussion on procurement of funds for these ventures. A possible agenda item for the next Committee meeting would be for Dedee DeLongpre to give her report on Indicators of Sustainability.

Eva reported on her meeting with the Provost to discuss the Provost Fellow position. It was suggested that the Committee meet with the Provost. She has scheduled that meeting for October 30, 2006 – 2:00-2:45 p.m. – 239 Tigert. The Committee needs to condense the efforts regarding the Provost Fellow job description – streamline the job description and link it to Tom Ankersen’s "Sustainability Curriculum Review Report." She asked that committee members note their comments/changes on the job description and fax back to her for compilation of all changes. She will make the changes and send it back out to the committee electronically for their approval.

It was discussed what the candidates would provide. There was discussion to suggest to the Provost that the Committee be allowed to participate in candidate interviews. It is clear that the Provost will choose the Provost Fellow. Eva suggested including information about funding – UF Congressional Budget Requests – this memo came out recently. It was noted that a Legislative Budget Request through Tallahassee might be a possibility.

Kim Tanzer suggested that if there are applicants for the position who also serve on the Sustainability Committee, that they recuse themselves from the hiring authority process.

Next for discussion was the "Facets of Sustainability" course that Eva taught last year. Les Thiele has agreed to teach the course, but it may have to be designated as POS (not IDS). Joe suggested that the course be considered on a year by year basis or through the Provost Fellow position from now on. The Committee agreed to endorse the class under POS, rather than risk not being able to have the class at all.

Eva informed the Committee that the Faculty Senate Infrastructure Council is requesting a joint meeting with the Sustainability Committee. This will be December 12, 2006 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. to discuss ways the Faculty Senate can promote and/or support the actions of the Committee. The location of this meeting is not known at this time.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

The next meeting of the Sustainability Committee will be December 6, 2006 - 9:00-10:30 a.m. - 202 Tigert Hall.

The December 6, 2006, Sustainability Committee meeting has been cancelled. Thank you.

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in 202 Tigert Hall.

The following is the agenda for the January 10, 2007, committee meeting. The agenda is also attached.

Sustainability Committee
January 10, 2007
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. – 202 Tigert Hall

1. 9:00-9:05 Welcome student representative Laura Ruhl
2. 9:05-9:20 Linda Crider and Allen Preston will provide report on the meeting with "Focus the Nation."
3. 9:20-9:35 Tom Ankersen will provide a report on the progress with LBR
4. 9:35-9:45 Kim Tanzer will report on the status of the campus-wide certificate in sustainability efforts
5. 9:45-10:00 Jeff Burkhardt will discuss the status of the mini-grant program
6. 10:00-10:15 Dedee DeLongpre will report on her efforts in building a strategic plan for campus sustainability and her vision of a sustainable school
7. 10:15-10:30 Discussion for Dedee’s and other presentations
8. Adjourn

Attached are the minutes for the January 10, 2007, committee meeting.

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee on April 26, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in 202 Tigert Hall.

Attached is the agenda for the April 26, 2006 Committee meeting.

Attached are the minutes for the April 26, 2006 committee meeting.

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee:

Wednesday, February 7, 2007
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
202 Tigert Hall

Attached is the agenda for the February 7, 2007, Committee meeting.

Attached are the minutes for the Committee meeting on February 7, 2007.
Also attached is the memo on the Sunshine Law presented as a draft at the meeting, but it has been reviewed by the General Counsel's office and is posted as approved substantively.

There will be a Sustainability Committee meeting:

Wednesday, March 7, 2007
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Bldg. 700, PPD Administration Building

Attached is an agenda for the March 7, 2007, Committee meeting.

Attached are the minutes for the committee meeting held on March, 2007.

There will be a meeting of the Sustainability Committee on:
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
202 Tigert Hall

Attached is the agenda for the April 4, 2007, Sustainability Committee meeting to be held in 202 Tigert from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Attached are the minutes for the committee meeting held on April 4, 2007.

Notice of Sustainability Committee meeting:

Wednesday, May 2, 2007
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
PPD - Building 700

Attached please find the agenda for the committee meeting to be held on May 2, 2007,
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
PPD bldg. 700

Attached please find the minutes for the May 2, 2007, Sustainability Committee meeting.

Sustainability Committee meeting:
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
202 Tigert Hall.

The location has been changed for the Wednesday, June 6, 2007, Sustainability Committee meeting. It will be held in 239 Tigert Hall - the Provost's conference room, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Thank you.

Attached please find the agenda for the committee meeting to be held Wednesday, June 6, 2007, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. in 239 Tigert Hall.

Attached are the minutes for the June 6, 2007, Sustainability Committee meeting.

Sustainability Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 27th
9:30am-11:30am
202 Tigert Hall

The following issues are on the agenda for the June 27, 2007, Sustainability Committee meeting:

1. Provost Fellow job description to be advertised this summer
2. Plan for strategic visiioning and the status of the AASHE reporting standards - Dedee DeLongpre
3. Sustainability goals for the nearest future (please, give it a thought in Allen's SWOT analysis)
4. Annual (?) sustainability indicators
5. University relations representative (?) Dan Williams

Attached are the minutes for the June 27, 2007, Sustainability Committee meeting.

Transportation: Aug 28: Ruth Steiner, Allan Preston
Energy and Climate Change: September 12- Amelia Dempere
Purchasing: Sept 17- Lisa Deal
Dining: Sept 19- Mickey Swisher
Grounds: Sept 20- Jennifer Gillett
Waste: Sept 21- Charles Kibert
Buildings: Oct 1- Bahar Armaghani
Employee Well Being: Oct 2- Henk Monkhorst
Academics: Oct 31- Eva Czarnecka-Verner
Campus Culture: Nov 28- Fred Cantrell
Community/ Civic Engagement: Nov 29 Ruth Steiner
Diversity: Dec 3- Chris Machen
Water: Dec 7- Joe Delfino
Institutional Commitment: Dec 12th Jeff Burkardt

Notice of Committee Meeting:

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached is the agenda for the committee meeting on Tuesday, September 25, 2007.

Attached are the minutes for the September 25, 2007, Committee meeting. Also attached is Dedee's listing of the goals for 2007-08 for the Office of Sustainabiltiy.

Notice of Committee Meeting:

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached please find the agenda for the October 17, 2007, committee meeting.

Attached please find the minutes for the October 17, 2007, committee meeting.

Notice of Committee Meeting:

Tuesday, November 20, 2007
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached please find the agenda for the Sustainability Committee to be held November 20, 2007. Also attached are four documents sent to the committee by Dr. Burkhardt, that are referenced in the agenda.

Attached please find the minutes from the November 20, 2007 meeting.

Notice of Committee Meeting:

Wednesday, December 19, 2007
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

The December 19, 2007, meeting has been cancelled. Thank you!

Sustainability Committee meeting:

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Please find attached the agenda for the January 22, 2008, committee meeting.

Also attached are the mini-grant progress reports from the recipients.

Attached are the minutes from the Sustainability Committee meeting held January 22, 2008, as well as other documents relevant to this committee meeting discussion.

Sustainability Committee meeting:

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached is the agenda for the committee meeting to be held Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

Please find the attached minutes and Office of Sustainability work summary for February.

Sustainability Committee Meeting:

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached is the agenda for the Sustainability Committee meeting to be held:

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
1031-A McCarty "D" Wing (wing nearest Museum Drive/parking garage)

Attached are the minutes for the committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.

Sustainability Committee Meeting:

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached is the agenda for the April 8, 2008, committee meeting.

***Also note that elections for the 2008-09 Chair of the Committee will take place at the May 6, 2008, "final" Sustainability Committee meeting.

Attached are the meeting minutes for the April 8, 2008, Sustainability Committee meeting.

Sustainability Committee Meeting:

Tuesday, May 6. 2008
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attached please find the agenda for the Sustainability Committee meeting to be held:

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
1151 McCarty Hall "A"

Attendance is highly encouraged, as the new Committee Chair for 2008-2009 will be elected at this committee meeting.

Attached are the minutes for the committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Also attached is the detailed Office of Sustainability Update, which was presented in abbreviated form at the committee meeting.

The Academic Programs Task Force will meet at 3:30 on Friday, February 1 in Tigert 202.

AGENDA

1) Develop academic programs budget proposal (mini-grants, new courses, fellowships, speakers, etc.)

2) Review proposed course list for undergraduate minor in sustainability