°IJʿ’s sustainability efforts recognized by White House
On November 19, Interim Dean of the Faculty and Provost Constance Harsh participated in a roundtable discussion at the White House to take part in launching the .
“It was very good to witness the serious purpose that animated the participants,” Harsh said after the event. “Students have a real sense of urgency about this. Higher education has an important role to play here.”
Harsh joined a select group of higher education presidents, other campus and business leaders, as well as high-ranking government officials, including EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Karen Florini of the State Department, at the White House event.
°IJʿ has a nationally renowned commitment to sustainability. On Wednesday, Interim President Jill Harsin reiterated our commitment to sustainability in a letter to the White House. Specifically, °IJʿ’s commitments include:
- Achieving carbon neutrality by 2019, our bicentennial
- Making carbon neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students
- Incorporating sustainable practices in all campus planning and building design from inception to implementation
- Achieving a minimum of LEED Silver standards for all new construction and major renovations
- Enhancing teaching and learning, creating long-term economic resiliency, building and restoring robust ecological systems, and supporting a healthier and more just society
“I am proud that °IJʿ is one of the higher education leaders in confronting climate change, particularly in our pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2019,” said Harsh.
°IJʿ also participated in the #ActOnCampus hashtag on Twitter, showing some of our sustainability successes.