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Officials say they are serious about the University of Hawaii becoming a leader in using natural resources wisely, to conserve them for future generations. UH launches
environmental planBy Diana Leone
dleone@starbulletin.com
As one of the state's largest consumers of energy, water and other resources, "the university's role in modeling environmental policy cannot be overstated," University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle said at an Earth Day event yesterday before an enthusiastic crowd of about 150.
"It is our responsibility not just to create knowledge, but apply it," Dobelle said. He also suggested that society as a whole should move toward reflecting the order of nature.
At a ceremony on the grounds of the Manoa campus' Energy House, UH sustainability director Bruce Miller recalled how the first Earth Day was in 1970 and was led by college students.
Thirty-two years later, he said, "we are using natural capital at a rate that is not sustainable on a global scale."
The UH Charter of Sustainability will be crafted over the next few months by a coalition of university and community members in the following areas: sustainability policy, energy, human values/campus experience, transportation, building design, materials use and recycling, water, land use, education and research, natural areas, and development of sustainable businesses.
Yesterday's announcement of the initiative by Dobelle was its kickoff event. There will be a committee for each specific area, and at least half of those met yesterday to begin charting their course.
It is hoped that a number of initiatives can be "fast-tracked" so people can see results quickly, Miller said.
Dobelle noted that in addition to helping make Hawaii more sustainable, the university might provide expertise to help make the rapid industrialization of China and Indonesia more environmentally friendly.
Manoa Interim Chancellor Deane Neubauer said the time has come for the bottom line of economics to be replaced by the three bottom lines of economy, society and environment.
"The global ecosystem's health represents the ultimate bottom line," he said.
Community members who want to participate in sustainability charter committees can contact Linda Day at 956-9346 or uhsustainability@yahoo.com.
University of Hawaii
