HISTORY
Through its teaching and research endeavors, as well as the operations of its overall enterprise, the University of Miami is committed to the safeguarding of the environment. Innovative programs in schools and colleges, interdisciplinary centers and institutes, and events and activities throughout the University address issues involving a wide spectrum of environmental concerns.
In 2005 the University launched Green U, under the direction of Alan J Fish (The Vice President of Business Services at the time) in order to officially categorize and direct the numerous sustainability efforts of the University. Green U’s first aim was to make UM: “a community leader in the acquisition of environmentally responsible products and the practice of ecologically sound maintenance and operations procedures.”
The American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) is a project developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), to which the University belongs. The commitment provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to become Carbon neutral. As a member of the elite Leadership Circle, President Shalala is one of the original signatories.
| “The University of Miami is recognized for preparing students to be environmental thinkers and responsible citizens of the world… Now we are making a commitment to a sustainable future by broadening our approach to educating students on environmental sustainability and by fostering a culture of environmental awareness at the University.” - President Shalala on her historic signing (April 18th, 2007) |
The main goals of the Green U program are coordinated through the Environmental Health and Safety department (EHS). This department falls under and corresponds with the Business Services department. The Executive Director of the EHS department, Ken Capezzuto, whose mission is “To help the University continuously improve its compliance with safety and environmental regulation”, has played an instrumental role in Green U’s developments since the beginning.
This is currently an exciting time for Green U and the University of Miami as we make strives to reduce waste, energy, water consumption, and increase education for the community and beyond. Green U is a cultural movement at the University; each community member’s participation is essential for success. As we further the culture of sustainability the University of Miami’s Green U program will continue to produce the leaders of tomorrow who leave the smallest impression on the planet possible.
Mission Statement of the Sustainability Committee at UM:
The Sustainability Committee is composed of a panel of diverse stakeholders and community members of our campus. It strives to promote a culture of environmental awareness through the university community, making sustainability one of the core value of our institution; we want to engage our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community as whole in improving our ecological footprint.
We want to diffuse sustainable practices that acknowledge the necessary balance between humans and their surrounding environment, and that minimize the impacts on our natural resources;
At the U, we transform lives through teaching, research and service. The mission of this committee is to develop an operational model that guarantees this commitment to sustainability.
Special Report on Climate Change Highlights UM Research
Debuting in advance of Earth Day, the University of Miami’s Climate Change Special Report, developed by University Communications, features more than 40 articles on science and research; dozens of interviews with UM faculty, alumni, and students; and social and interactive engagement with polls, graphics, and an opportunity for you to write your own haiku to the environment. Visit climate.miami.edu to get the full report.
