Understanding Sustainability and Climate Action at Bowie State University
Bowie State University held a Climate Action Plan Task Force meeting to address the urgent need for environmental stewardship and the update of their outdated Climate Action Plan. Discussions focused on sustainability, resilience, and the importance of incorporating ideas into their plan to meet current and future needs without compromising resources. The meeting emphasized the institution's responsibility as a key leader in environmental sustainability and their commitment to accountability for positive outcomes.
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Bowie State University Climate Action Plan 2020 Task Force First Meeting: December 9, 2019
Bowie State University Climate Action Plan 2020 Task Force Agenda December 9, 2019 1.Greetings- Mr. Anthony Savia, VP of Administration & Finance 2.Introduction & Purpose- Mr. Jabari Walker, Asst to the VPAF; Chair of C4 3.Resilience- Dr. Jacquie Jackson Palmer, Assoc Dir of Facilities Management 4.Discussion of Bowie State Strategic Plan/existing Climate Action Plan 5.Discussion of Climate Action Plan template 6.Suggested ideas to incorporate into our plan 7.Assignment to group/ Questions and comments Notes (use this space and back of sheet):
Why are we here? The health of our planet is in crisis mode USM institutions are expected to be key leaders in environmental stewardship BSU has an outdated Climate Action Plan (10 years) that does not address resilience. The time to renew the plan is now. Signatory of the Climate Commitment Signatory of the Paris Climate Agreement As accountability is one of our core values, the BSU community is responsible and accountable for the outcomes of their efforts and actions
What is Sustainability? The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development) The practice of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. Stabilizing the currently disruptive relationship between the earth s two most complex systems- human culture and the living world. (Environmentalist Paul Hawken) The system where humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations. Clean healthy environment, a satisfactory level of economic well-being, and a robust level of social fulfillment. Environmental Sustainability- ensuring that in meeting our needs for water, food, shelter, as well as engaging in activities that make our lives enjoyable- we don t cause damage to our environment or deplete resources that we cant replenish.
Other definitions Climate change: A long term change in the earth s climate, especially a change due to an increase in average atmospheric temperature caused primarily by human behaviors. A sweeping change in global climate conditions, including weather phenomena, temperature, and sea levels caused by an influx of greenhouse gases (mostly from fossil fuel emissions) around the world. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and change weather patterns, warming many areas of the globe and causing erratic season and weather events. Climate change vs. global warming-Global warming was the old term, dating back to the 1950s to indicate a long term rise in Earth s average temperature. Greenhouse gases- the primary natural and man made gases that contribute to global warming by trapping more energy in the earth s atmosphere than what would naturally occur Greenhouse effect- the process that occurs when gases emitted into the atmosphere trap the Sun s heat like the glass roof a greenhouse. Carbon footprint- the measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other green house gases (GHGs) associated with a particular activity. (*Note- there are many ways to calculate this) Carbon neutrality- The process of offsetting carbon-producing activities with those that either reduce or capture carbon in order to neutralize the net amount of carbon released in the atmosphere Renewable energy- Energy produced from natural elements such as sunlight, wind, rain/tides/waves, geothermal heat. *Note: At least 47 nations around the world produce 50% of electricity through renewable resources and two countries (Iceland and Norway) generate all electricity using renewable energy. Many other countries have set a goal to reach 100% renewable energy.
Major accomplishments (within past 7 years) LEED Platinum certified CNSMN building LEED Gold certified Student Center building (first HBCU with such LEED certified bldg.) Student Center features a green roof, water gardens, trayless cafeteria, energy dashboards University has installed several solar panel installations that total roughly 15-20% of campus energy needs Most water fountains on campus are retrofitted for bottle usage Bikeshare program created (designed to cut down on vehicular traffic and healthy means of recreational enjoyment) Electric car chargers installed Recycle bins were added to lobbies of all academic buildings Annual Shred Day event turns tons of paper into recycled paper University has installed several solar operated projects including solar tables, charging units, and solar powered bus station Undergraduate and Graduate students agreed to implement a yearly sustainability fee to tuition and fees Campus hosts annual Earth Day events including Earth Day Poetry Slam, and Annual Food Day symposium Partnership with Zipcar which utilizes hybrid fuel vehicles
Second Nature: Climate Leadership Statement We, the undersigned presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities: Firmly believe in the power and potential of higher education s key role in shaping a sustainable society Understand that technology, infrastructure, and engaged, committed students allow us to explore bold and innovative solutions and to lead in climate action Have begun to experience the effects of climate change in our communities and understand that these effects are projected to become more severe and damaging Believe colleges and universities must exercise leadership in our communities and throughout society Believe we will better serve our students and society by- along with other aspects of sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrating resilience into our curriculum and campus operations Believe that exerting leadership will reduce our long-term energy costs, increase our quality of life, attract excellent students and faculty, and build support of alumni and local communities Believe carbon neutrality and resilience are extremely high priority areas of action for all institutions
Division of Administration & Finance Strategic Plan FY July 2019-June 2022 Bowie State University Racing to Excellence FY19-FY24 Strategic Plan Mission: The Division of Administration and Finance will provide operational support service including stewardship of our physical and financial resources that ensures a foundation for student and institutional success Goal 1: Develop and retain a high-quality staff Goal 2: Provide excellent customer service Goal 3: Develop and implement effective business processes to strengthen administrative efficiencies and delivery of services Goal 4: Make sustainability a core part of A&F culture in support of Goal 5 in the BSU Strategic Plan Goal 5: Improve campus and physical environment
