Urging the University to Commit Itself to Sustainability Measures in its Institutional Policies and Practices
RESOLUTION OF THE EMPLOYEE FORUM
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
September 5, 2001
WHEREAS, the Mission of the Employee Forum is to address constructively the concerns of the Employees of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill exists to foster research, free inquiry, public service, and personal responsibility; and
WHEREAS, the University, as a State agency, is directed by the Governor’s Executive Order 156 to develop and incorporate policies and practices that preserve natural resources, conserve energy, eliminate waste and emissions, and lessen overall environmental impact; and
WHEREAS, the University, a signatory of the Talloires Declaration authored by University Leaders for a Sustainable Future, has committed to exercise leadership by integrating economic, social, and environmental values into institutional policies and practices; and
WHEREAS, the University recognizes that leadership begins with its policies, operations, and curriculum, and radiates out through partnerships with the community, the region, and the world
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Employee Forum encourages the Chancellor and Administration of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to commit itself to
- Develop and incorporate policies and practices that preserve natural resources, conserve energy, water, and materials, eliminate waste and emissions, and lessen its overall environmental impact;
- Promote human health and well-being by providing safe and healthy food, workspaces and residences, and bike and walking routes;
- Develop an understanding of the local, regional, and global impacts of the University’s activities on the health of the planet and the well-being of its current and future inhabitants;
- Promote awareness of these sustainability goals and foster environmental literacy among its students, staff, faculty, and alumni;
- Collaborate with off-campus organizations, including citizen groups, agencies, and schools in cooperative efforts to provide a health regional environment;
- Support environmentally and socially responsible businesses, favoring products and services from, and investments, in these firms, and when possible, supporting local enterprises; and
- Develop and monitor indicators of progress toward environmental sustainability, and publicize and celebrate accomplishments.
Signed on behalf of the Delegates of the Employee Forum
John Heuer, Chair