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Northark Commits to ‘Climate Neutral’ Campus
Dr. Olson is the first Arkansas two-year college president to sign the commitment. North Arkansas College joins the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, as the only two Arkansas colleges or universities as signatories to the Climate Commitment.
“Global warming is a defining challenge of our time” said Dr. Olson, “and by working together we have the capacity to address the problem. That means taking significant action today to reduce global warming pollution to the atmosphere. Northark is committed to leading the way.”
In March of 2007, the Northark Board of Trustees passed a resolution "in support of making the green campus commitment" at the urging of Trustee Norma Cutler. A sustainability committee was formed including trustees Cutler, Bill Lovell, and Troy Massey with support from Bill Lord (solid waste program coordinator for the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District) and in September 2007 the Board of Trustees adopted a policy on sustainable development "to establish a program of responsible environmental practices in all areas of the college's operations."
These efforts continue Northark’s ongoing student, faculty, and staff commitment to sustainability, including:
§ Adoption of Highway 123 near South Campus to clear litter and debris § Recycling of paper, plastic, ink cartridges (15 tons in nine months) § Participation in Crooked Creek Clean-up § Promotion of green efforts and reduction of carbon footprint § Lighting and HVAC upgrades to reduce energy use § Implementation of advanced energy management systems § Member of the Stream Team and will start testing water quality in area.
The Presidents Climate Commitment is the first such effort by any major sector of society to set climate neutrality – not just a reduction – as its target. This undertaking by America’s colleges and universities is inspired by efforts like the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, the Clinton Climate Initiative and other collective efforts by states and businesses.
"Colleges and universities must lead the effort to reverse global warming for the health and well-being of current and future generations," said Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University and a founding member of the ACUPCC Leadership Circle. "On behalf of all the signatories, I welcome Dr. Olson to the commitment, we are honored and pleased to have him join us."
The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is a high-visibility effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions. Under the guidance and direction of the Leadership Circle of Presidents, the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is being supported and implemented by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Second Nature, and ecoAmerica.
Learn more at: http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.
Micki Somers
Director, Public Relations & Development
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