December  21, 2009

College surpasses state's green goals

Augustana joined more than 75 Illinois colleges and universities in signing the Illinois Sustainable University Compact, an official reflection of Augustana’s past and continuing commitment to environmental sustainability. Governor Pat Quinn created the compact and asked higher education institutions to adopt 12 environmental goals by 2010.

Augustana joined more than 75 Illinois colleges and universities in signing the Illinois Sustainable University Compact, an official reflection of Augustana's past and continuing commitment to environmental sustainability. Gov. Pat Quinn created the compact and asked higher education institutions to adopt 12 environmental goals by 2010.

Augustana President Steven Bahls did not hesitate to sign Augustana's version of the compact, which includes three additional goals. The compact puts into writing the green initiatives the college adopted in its environmental action plan in 2007.

First-year students stake tomatoes at Augie Acres, the campus garden. Produce is used by the college and also sold at a weekly neighborhood farmer's market. (Augustana Photo Bureau/Dana Gustafson)

"What I found most interesting about the compact is that, although it's meant to be a motivational document that challenges campuses to accomplish sustainability goals, Augustana has already achieved most of the compact's goals," says Bahls. "I am grateful for the leadership of our students, faculty and staff both in what we have done and will continue to do to make Augustana a more sustainable college."

Augustana's award-winning Farm2Fork program meets and exceeds three of the goals outlined in the sustainability compact: dependence on local farms and vendors to provide at least 25 percent of food to dining services, composting 5,000 cubic yards of organic food waste, and recycling waste cooking oil for biodiesel fuel. Augustana has surpassed these goals during the past two years and has implemented its own eco-friendly practices, such as using reusable to-go boxes and disposable tableware made from potatoes. Students also volunteer at "Augie Acres," a distinctive student-operated garden that provides food to campus dining services.

Augustana has met and exceeded the goal to "promote sustainable transportation options" through its carpooling system, its use of electric and hybrid campus vehicles, and its partnership with Metro, which allows members of the campus community to ride the bus for no-cost throughout the Quad Cities.

Global Affect, a student organization that promotes environmentalism, has supported the efforts to reduce energy use by distributing 1,000 compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to students in residence halls. The group also has encouraged students to make eco-friendly choices, such as using reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Augustana's Sustainability Committee, which is composed of faculty, administrators and students, is a permanent standing committee created as part of the college's 2007 environmental action plan. Committee members analyze environmental issues and guide the college toward sustainable decisions. They continuously challenge the college community to increase the amount of recycled waste, reduce carbon emissions and utilize renewable energy sources.

Dr. Jeff Strasser, professor of geology and committee chair, recognizes that institutional sustainability, particularly reducing Augustana's carbon footprint, is a monumental task.

"It requires not only accounting for our fossil fuel usage in campus buildings for electricity, heating and air conditioning, but also an assessment of commuting practices of college employees and students, botanical surveys of our campus and field stations, and even extends to our food services," he says.

Strasser emphasizes that the Sustainability Committee is only one part of the campus' environmental efforts.

"We can adopt new institutional practices and policies, but the effectiveness of our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and conserve natural resources depends ultimately on the individuals to be aware and to make conscientious decisions. Actions as simple as turning off lights or recycling can make a big difference."

Kamy Beattie
Director of Public Relations
Office: (309) 794-7721 Mobile: (309) 912-1532 Fax: (309) 794-3461
kamybeattie@augustana.edu