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First sustainability director named

Written by Jonathan Silver, The Shorthorn staff

Monday, 01 June 2009 06:29 PM

People.

Planet.

Profit.

Kathryn Poulos, the university’s first sustainability director, said she will put such terms, concepts and ideals into perspective by working with students, faculty and staff when she starts the position this fall.

The Oak Park, Illinois Environmental and Energy Advisory Commission commissioner grew up in a green family where she was taught to re-use almost every item in her home. She models her efforts after a saying taught at a YMCA camp.

“A mantra on the trail was ‘You leave nothing behind but your footprints,’” Poulos said.

She said she felt honored to be chosen for what she called her dream job.

“I think the President’s Sustainability Committee has done a wonderful job on getting the university started on the right track,” Poulos said. “I’m looking forward to continuing their efforts.”

She officially begins on Aug. 1. When in office, Poulos would like to focus on transportation since the majority of the university commutes, but will meet with the PSC to get their priority list. Poulos suggested carpooling and bike co-ops to combat rising carbon footprints, which is the measurement of carbon usage in a certain area.

Environmental Society member Vinodh Valluri said he supports having a sustainability director.

“Having a full time sustainability director not only re-affirms our commitment to sustainability but also weaves sustainability into the fabric of Maverick culture officially,” Valluri said.

He said commuting affects students’ connection to the university.

“When we live on campus we develop a sense of place and home that includes what the university has to offer,” he said.

He proposed being sustainable and addressing students’ needs by adding affordable and convenient on-campus housing, providing local food that is sustainable and creating community gardens.

Poulos was the most well-rounded candidate, said Don Lange, PSC co-chair and Facilities Management assistant director. Poulos ranked highest and second highest on each of her ratings.

“We’re excited to have someone come on board,” Lange said. “The sustainability director is going to keep the momentum going.”

Poulos said she would like to be on the same page as students.

“I hope to meet with student leaders at the Fall Leadership Retreat to make a presentation on environmental education,” she said. “We want to brainstorm on environmental programs that will work on campus.”

Business freshman Wontae You, an international student from South Korea, said he came from a place without a lot of greenery and advocates more university recycling.

“The campus should do more on Earth Day like planting flowers and trees to make the university prettier,” he said. “It’s also too cold indoors. We should save energy by cutting down on air conditioning use.”

Lange said the PSC and the new director would have a lot on their plate. Favoring one issue now would disregard all other efforts initiated by committee members.

As the university moves closer to sustainability, the city of Arlington begins conserving power by turning off every other streetlight, saving approximately $175,000 a year.

“We are stewards of the environment,” Poulos said. “Our job is to pass it on to the next generation the best we can.”

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 August 2009 10:31 AM )

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