PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Environmental Oversight Committee

Tuesday, October 1, 2002

4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Frist Center, Multi Purpose Room A

Committee Attendees:  Michael McKay, Chair; Jenn Brudno, Janet Gruschow,  Kelsey Jack, Bill Jordan, Tom Nyquist, Leila Shahbender, Don Weston

Committee Members Absent:   Andy Dobson, Robin Izzo, Emmanual Kreike

Other Attendees:  Mary Banfield, Kai Chan, Chad Klaus

Michael McKay restated the purpose of the Princeton Environmental Committee.  The Committee will consider new environmental issues, practices, and policies with respect to the University’s operations, prioritize them, and deliver recommendations to Charles Kalmbach, Senior Vice President for Administration.  The membership includes two undergraduate students appointed by PEI and one graduate student appointed by the Graduate Student Government.  All meetings will be open to the public.  Ways to best notify the campus community and solicit suggestions regarding environmental issues on campus were discussed, i.e, Princeton Weekly Bulletin, University Calendar, Web Site, etc.

Michael will continue to work with Jon Hlafter, Director of the Office of Physical Planning, and Kathleen Mulligan, Vice President for Facilities, on the University’s construction process and building designs with respect to the LEED Green Building System (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). 

Sub committee groups reported the following: 

• Bill Jordan reported current problems with the recycling bins on campus and recycled material, particularly plastic, which is brought to the Mercer County recycling center.  Older recycling bins have been replaced on campus.  Several dormitories, however, need larger recycling bins that are clearly marked.  Mike McKay recommended Bill, Jenn Brudno, and Kai Chan meet with Al King and Jon Baer in Building Services to discuss the current recycling situation on campus and develop recommendations to be presented to the Committee.   Mike reported the Facilities Department has requested an FTE Recycling Coordinator through the Priorities Process.
  
• Don Weston reported the purchasing intern, Lili Shek, will present her final report to the Committee at the November meeting.  Lili worked over the summer researching projects and products that affect the entire University. 
  
• Leila Shahbender reported information regarding Princeton University’s admissions process was shared at a meeting she attended.  Currently the process is two-phased.  The first phase, i.e. enrollment material, application, etc., is on-line.  The second phase is paper only.  Leila has agreed to meet with the Admissions Office  to gather more information on the second phase of the admissions process.

• Mary Banfield reported there are no University policies/rules regarding double-sided documents.  Don Weston is researching copier equipment that will default to double-sided documents.  
  
• Leila recommended there be a “paper presentation” for the Academic Managers and Department Managers on the different types of paper available and double sided documents.

• Janet Gruschow reported Herb Simmens from NJHEPS Sustainable Campus Initiative would like to meet with people on campus to discuss the lead institution program.                
  
• Tom Nyquist continues to research alternative vehicles for the University fleet.    Tom will report his findings to Don Weston, Director of Purchasing.

• Kelsey Jack reported the use of plastic cups and food waste at the Eating Clubs continues to be a problem.   Unfortunately, this will be tough problem to correct.
  
• Wind energy and additional shuttle buses on campus were also discussed.

 Next Meeting Time

 The Committee agreed to meet again in November.