2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsUniversity focuses on becoming sustainable for future
Christie Davenport
Issue date: 1/18/08 Section: Features
Missouri State University, along with many other higher education institutions, has already been improving its sustainability throughout the years. But with the popularity of green technology on the rise, Missouri State seems to be taking more steps to improving its environmental practices.
In December 2007, an interim report on the future of sustainability at Missouri State was issued, giving the university recommendations on what it could do to become sustainable for future generations.
Ken McClure, associate vice president of administrative services, confirmed that Missouri State has entered into a newly-formed partnership for sustainability with the city of Springfield, Greene County, Drury University, Springfield Public Schools, Ozarks Technical Community College, St. John's and Cox Health Systems and several local businesses.
According to the report, sustainability encompasses a broad range of issues and potential actions. Some of the recommendations the report entails are energy-saving measures, increasing the use of renewable resources, decreasing production of waste materials, providing educational programs for students and the community, enhancing the health of campus ecosystems, the promotion of health and several others.
Along with the given list of recommendations, McClure was asked what students at Missouri State could do in order to help the university.
"There are a number of very simple steps that students can take to help the university become a more sustainable campus," McClure said. "Shutting off lights upon leaving a room and turning off the television and other electrical devices that are not being used; walking, biking or riding the campus shuttle when possible instead of driving; and purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances for residence hall use, are all easy actions."
Although this report encourages Missouri State to go beyond what it was implementing, the university has already taken measures to improve the environment and itself.
In December 2007, an interim report on the future of sustainability at Missouri State was issued, giving the university recommendations on what it could do to become sustainable for future generations.
Ken McClure, associate vice president of administrative services, confirmed that Missouri State has entered into a newly-formed partnership for sustainability with the city of Springfield, Greene County, Drury University, Springfield Public Schools, Ozarks Technical Community College, St. John's and Cox Health Systems and several local businesses.
According to the report, sustainability encompasses a broad range of issues and potential actions. Some of the recommendations the report entails are energy-saving measures, increasing the use of renewable resources, decreasing production of waste materials, providing educational programs for students and the community, enhancing the health of campus ecosystems, the promotion of health and several others.
Along with the given list of recommendations, McClure was asked what students at Missouri State could do in order to help the university.
"There are a number of very simple steps that students can take to help the university become a more sustainable campus," McClure said. "Shutting off lights upon leaving a room and turning off the television and other electrical devices that are not being used; walking, biking or riding the campus shuttle when possible instead of driving; and purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances for residence hall use, are all easy actions."
Although this report encourages Missouri State to go beyond what it was implementing, the university has already taken measures to improve the environment and itself.
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