on environmental issues
On Earth Day 2005, Yale released a report on its environmental performance from 1996 through June 30, 2004.
Such a multi-year environmental performance report has never, to Yale's knowledge, been developed and distributed by any university. The report is the first of what is envisioned to be a regular assessment and discussion of Yale's progress toward becoming a sustainable institution.
The environmental report highlights several areas in which Yale's performance has shown marked enhancement in the past several years. In one case -- the management of chemical waste from laboratories, art studios, etc. -- total amounts have been reduced by 40% since 2000, saving $160,000 per year. In another, the purchase of recycled paper, the rate has increased from 3% in fiscal year 1998 to 33% in fiscal year 2004.
These examples demonstrate Yale's commitment and performance with respect to the environment, notes the report. Ongoing challenges identified by the University's Advisory Committee on Environmental Management include increases in energy use that have resulted in increased carbon dioxide emissions, although refitting the Central Power Plant as a co-generation facility has had a major positive impact. Enhanced recycling efforts are also indicated for solid waste.
A number of initiatives are underway to respond to the information in the report. Yale now has a sustainability director, Julie Newman, who joined the University last year. She has been instrumental in coordinating many activities and information sessions at Yale and at other universities in the Northeast. John Pepper, vice president for finance and administration, has supported the creation of four university-wide sustainability committees -- energy, transportation, discard and waste management, and construction and renovation -- to improve environmental performance and reduce related costs.
Finally, the Advisory Committee on Environmental Management is monitoring progress and working to define suitable long-term sustainability goals for the University. All of these activities are strongly supported by Provost Andrew Hamilton.
The report is available on request. For further information, contact Bailey McCallum at bailey.mccallum@yale.edu.
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Renowned Harvard scholar named dean of Yale SOM
F&ES group gets lessons in global, local activism during Kenya trip
Champion archer aims to achieve state of grace when wielding her bow
Report details University's progress on environmental issues
'Mugsy' proves to be top dog in Handsome Dan competition
Whistler works, recent acquisitions showcased in exhibitions
Scholar of womanist theology and expert on the art of preaching . . .
Researchers illuminate how bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics
YALE LIBRARY NEWS'From Intent to Serendipity' features unique items from Yale's archives
Yale will lead effort to create Middle East Electronic Library
Muslims' contributions to field of medicine documented in display
Exhibit recalls life (and death) of American patriot Nathan Hale
Grants from Seaver Institute support medical and library projects
African-American women report wider range of menopausal symptoms
International array of scholars to discuss 'Culture in the World'
Events to examine the risks and benefits of biopharming
MEDICAL SCHOOL NEWSTalk by Yale scientist to highlight annual Student Research Day
Study shows the use of the herb black cohosh can affect . . .
Scientists pinpoint protein molecule that the body uses . . .
Researchers find genetic risk-factors for alcoholism . . .
Program to assess ways to improve care of children
Conference to focus on origins of Borderline Personality Disorder
Honorees applaud new research on women's health
Barry on committee calling for creation of U.S. health corps
Yale neurologists cited by Lancet . . .
Awards to two faculty members support improved race relations
Engineer wins grant for research in nanotechnology
Painting at the Y
IN MEMORIAMDr. Elisha Atkins, an authority on the function of fever . . .
James Fesler, public administration scholar . . .
Memorial service for Jacques Guicharnaud
Yale Books in Brief
Campus Notes
From sneakers to playgrounds