Dear Editor,
The year of 2010 was the “Year of Sustainability” for our two institutions. In that year and since, we’ve seen progress made in many ways to improve and promote sustainable practices on our campuses. We’ve seen Gorecki Dining Center go trayless (a source of discontent for many Johnnies and Bennies), student composting initiatives begin, the replacement of some residence hall lights at SJU to compact fluorescent bulbs and a movement to reduce institutional dependence on coal energy.
The most recent, albeit small, step made in this progress for a sustainable future was achieved Monday night in the St. John’s Senate meeting. The SJS approved a letter drafted by a special committee to recommend to the St. John’s Board of Regents that the institution hire a full-time Sustainability Director. Currently, sustainability functions at SJU are performed primarily by Nick Moe, a part-time, temporary Sustainability Fellow who is, frankly, overworked. St. Ben’s does in fact have a full-time Director, Judith Purman, who has done a great deal to advance sustainable practices at CSB.
The suggestion to create this position from the Senate is sure to greet controversy from those who are wary of sustainability. Others may wonder why SJU needs a full-time director if it already has a part-time person working so hard. The committee that drafted the letter, comprised of a handful of Senators and students with interest in the topic, felt that the position is justifiable and beneficial due to its potential to increase awareness and publicity, put in place a specially-trained director and further the already productive efforts of the current Fellow.
Campuses with full offices and full-time positions dedicated to institutional sustainability are in a national spotlight for their efforts and achievements. The financial savings these schools have made are significant as well. By hiring a full-time director and creating a Sustainability Office, St. John’s University will fully affirm its commitment to sustainability that it began in 2010.
For more information, please feel free to contact the SJS in regards to this process with your questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hovel
SJU Sophomore