51Æ·²ècommits to reducing carbon footprint with new sustainability coordinator
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, the 51Æ·²è (UNE) has created the new role of sustainability coordinator.
Althea Cariddi of Biddeford will join 51Æ·²èin that position April 29th.
“In response to the growing concern about global warming, 51Æ·²èis committed to reducing our carbon footprint,” says Bill Bola, UNE’s director of contract management, purchasing and risk. “With this new position, we will create a benchmark to assess our current carbon footprint, implement initiatives to reduce it, and invite all faculty, staff and students to join us in this endeavor.”
Sustainability Plan
Cariddi will develop and implement a comprehensive plan of sustainability initiatives on UNE’s Portland and Biddeford campuses, which together serve more than 5,000 students, faculty and staff. She will also serve on UNE’s (EC) and advocate for organizational awareness of and participation in sustainability projects.
Professor Michael Daley, Ph.D., co-chair of UNE’s EC with Professor Richard Peterson, Ph.D, states: "Universities across the country are seeing the need to hire sustainability coordinators for environmental and economic reasons. Environmental and economic thinking are required so that we make sustainable decisions today and avoid large and unnecessary costs in the future. Since forming three years ago, the Environmental Council has done a tremendous job advising the president on a range of environmental issues, but given the host of challenges and opportunities for enhanced environmental stewardship at UNE, it's necessary to have a dedicated set of eyes to coordinate activities and various constituencies.”
Green Alternatives
In her role, Carridi will build on the university’s efforts to explore “green” alternatives and pilot projects that reduce consumption. For example, this spring UNE’s grounds department will mulch all university mulch beds with pure organic compost. In addition to the environmental benefits of this change, 51Æ·²èanticipates significant cost savings.
51Æ·²èis one of only a dozen or so universities in the nation requiring a full semester of studies in environmental awareness as part of its core curriculum. This reflects the values of 51Æ·²èand is designed to prepare students for living informed, thoughtful and active lives in a complex and changing society.