Background
In September 2006, the Wayne State University Board of Governors adopted the Resolution on Environmental Concerns to protect the environment and enhance the campus. The resolution also recognized the ongoing development of a campuswide recycling program and broader measures for progress toward environmental objectives, including ongoing maintenance and construction of campus buildings.
Task Force Established
Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid announced that Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Andrea Roumell Dickson would head the effort to develop and implement programs that protect the environment and enhance the campus.
Reid created the Task Force on Environmental Initiatives and named its co-chairs; College of Engineering Dean Ralph Kummler and Associate Vice President for Business and Auxiliary Operations Nabelah Ghareeb. The task force, composed of 28 members from throughout the university, includes five subcommittees: Energy Conservation, Recycling, Sustainability, Transportation, and Waste Stream and Mass Balance.
Task Force Charge
In October 2006, Reid charged the task force to provide a comprehensive strategy for improving the university’s resource management. The strategy is to include recycling; green purchasing; energy conservation; waste stream, mass balance and sustainability measures; and raising campus awareness on environmental stewardship.
Task Force Report
Each subcommittee wrote a portion of the task force’s report. The interim report was issued to the campus community in conjunction with 2007 Earth Day activities, and the final report was issued in October 2007. This Web site will track and highlight the university’s progress in implementing measures identified in the report.