In today's environmentally-aware world, Penn's campus is, ironically, under siege by the environment.
Between the environmental report card the University received last week to President Amy Gutmann's recent commitment to sustainable practices, helping the environment has become a hot topic on campus, both in College Hall and among students, faculty and staff.
But the one person who should be most concerned with Penn's environmental policies doesn't even exist. Despite recommendations from a coalition of campus environmental groups and from the Undergraduate Assembly, Penn has not named a full-time administrator to oversee green projects.
Penn is the only Ivy League institution without some kind of sustainability coordinator. This undermines the University's support of earth-friendly policies, notably, its record-breaking use of wind power.
Penn's environmental projects have expanded dramatically in the last few years. This week alone, Gutmann became the first Ivy League president to sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. As part of this pledge, Penn will reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions and implement green purchasing and building practices.
Administrators have also made it clear that the Penn community can look forward to more projects in the near future. As greater time, money and energy are put into sustainability, a single coordinator would ensure that projects are not done piecemeal, but as part of a comprehensive plan.
Naming a sustainability coordinator does not mean the University would have to change how it develops or implements its projects - it would simply mean that an administrator would be responsible for Penn's overall progress when it comes to sustainability. The more commitments we make, the greater need there is for accountability and coordination.
Penn is setting a good example by upping sustainability efforts - all it needs is a guiding hand to help it go green.
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