Debra Rowe

Nov. 4: Campus sustainability institute

Sharing what works to make college campuses more sustainable

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9:58 a.m., Oct. 11, 2011--The University of Delaware’s Sustainability Task Force has announced the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Regional Institute on Sustainability in Higher Education as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The one-day institute will be held on Friday, Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Perkins Student Center on the University’s Newark campus. 

Designed to foster collaboration and information sharing among colleges and universities in the region, the institute will feature keynote speaker Debra Rowe, president of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development, who will also be available throughout the day for consultation.

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The institute will consist of multiple breakout sessions and presentations on the implementation of sustainable practices both in academics and in operations.  Attendance at the institute will be capped to maximize the opportunity for personal interaction. Institutions of higher education within the mid-Atlantic region are invited to participate by attending and/or presenting a project related to sustainability in curricula, facilities, housing, student life, outreach and more.  

“Since we understand that collaboration within and among institutions is necessary for success, we encourage students, faculty, and staff from UD and other participating schools to attend and present what they’re doing to make their universities greener, more sustainable places,” says Robin Dutta, master’s student in urban affairs and co-chair of the conference. “This conference is about sharing what’s working at each of our institutions, so that participants can try new things and improve their efforts at their home universities.”

Dutta notes that the organizing committee is seeking two types of submissions for the conference: oral presentations and posters. Suggested topics include the following:

  • Sustainable campus dining and catering;
  • Responsible waste management;
  • Sustainability implications of campus finances and investments;
  • Integrating sustainability by facilities management departments;
  • Engaging students, faculty and staff; and
  • The impact of public policy on campus sustainability initiatives, either positive or negative.

More information about the conference as well as online registration and a downloadable presentation proposal form are available at the Sustainability Institute’s website. Presentation proposals are due Oct. 24, and registration closes Oct. 28. Those with questions about the institute may contact Robin Dutta at rkdutta@udel.edu.

More about Debra Rowe

Debra Rowe, professor of energy management, renewable energy technology and psychology at Oakland Community College, specializes in advising higher education institutions on how to integrate sustainability into mission, curricula, research, student life, and facilities. 

In addition to having nearly 30 years of experience as a faculty member, she is the national co-coordinator of the Higher Education Association’s Sustainability Consortium, founder of the Disciplinary Association’s Network for Sustainability, senior adviser to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), and U.S. designee to the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics’ international sustainability group.  

More about the Sustainability Task Force

The Sustainability Task Force is charged with fostering grassroots sustainability efforts across all areas of the University in support of the Path to ProminenceTM. The institute is one of many initiatives funded by the generous support of the UD community by means of donations to the UD Sustainability Fund. Additional funds in support of the conference are being provided by the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) and Delaware Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). To make a gift in support of the UD Sustainability Fund, please visit the online giving form at www.udel.edu/makeagift.

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