Auburn University has been selected as one of Alabama's 2015 Green Ribbon Schools in recognition of the University's progress in environmental education and sustainability.
This is the first year the state education department and the Alabama Commission for Higher Education have collectively nominated a university for the national Green Ribbon Award, according to Mike Kensler, director of the Office of Sustainability.
Leonard Lock, director of instruction and special projects for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, said Auburn integrated sustainability efforts into its overall strategic plan.
"The extent of the initiatives and the documentation is extremely impressive," Lock said.
Office of Sustainability program manager Amy Strickland said Auburn's sustainability programs affect all students.
"What really stood out was that we have accomplished more than we could fit on the nomination application in ways that affect everyone on campus," Strickland said.
Strickland said as a part of the application process, Auburn presented evidence of how they reduced their environmental impact and costs. Programs such as Tiger Transit and the newly introduced Bike Share program lower emissions, according to Strickland.
Strickland said the second requirement was for Auburn to show how it improves the health and wellness of students, faculty and staff.
Wellness initiatives including TigerFit, the Recreation and Wellness Center and the Med Clinic contribute to the well-being of the campus community by encouraging well-being of the mind, body and soul, according to Strickland.
The final step was for Auburn to demonstrate how they have instituted effective environmental and sustainability education programs.
The University has integrated sustainability into its educational programs, offering sustainability as a minor.
In 2011, Auburn adopted a sustainability policy stating a commitment to environmental sustainability.
This outlined a "campus master plan" for Auburn to utilize sustainability in all facets of the University, including operations, instruction, research and outreach activities.
This policy details the sustainability goals of the University and assesses the progress on the goals with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Auburn is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Through this association, Auburn was awarded a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System Silver rating by the association for their contributions.
Office of Sustainability communications and outreach manager Jennifer Morse said she sees a movement emerging that will raise awareness about sustainability on campuses across the nation.
"The more frequently we highlight the programs and awards of sustainability, the more people realize that they should get on board," Morse said.
Morse said the University has signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, committing to be involved in finding the answer to address global climate change.
The award winners will be announced April 22 in honor of Earth Day.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
