A letter from Dr. Marlene Tromp
Dear Colleagues,
In his 2020 State of the State Address, Governor Brad Little noted our obligation to keep public lands and waterways healthy, and made clear Idaho’s commitment to preserving our natural resources. In support of his vision and in recognition of the work of students and colleagues on our campus, I am creating the Sustainability Governance Council at Boise State.
The university has a longstanding commitment to sustainable practices as evidenced through our robust volunteer program committed to implementing sustainable initiatives on and off campus, innovative research from the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, and numerous building retrofits and upgrades in the interest of energy efficiency. The time is right to create a structure to ensure the university is establishing goals, tracking progress and maintaining operations, infrastructure and education in a manner that is both environmentally and socially responsible, as well as economically feasible. This new council and its subcommittees will be composed of faculty, staff and students who will make actionable recommendations and provide oversight and accountability of planned actions.
Specifically, the council will:
- Collect and report data under the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) STARS system.
- Engage with a series of subcommittees responsible to inform the effort, develop sources to assist with data collection and implement objectives.
- Frame recommendations and guidance to university leaders to further a collective vision for campus sustainability priorities.
- Oversee implementation of priorities as appropriate.
I have asked Boise State’s Vice President for Operations Randi McDermott to work with campus colleagues and invite membership to the council and subcommittees. A majority of members will be identified by virtue of their position or research focus; however, anyone with an interest in being part of this important initiative should reach out. There is significant work to be done and all contributions are appreciated. The Campus Sustainability Office will provide support and facilitate all activities under this umbrella.
Please contact Randi McDermott if you have questions or ideas. I look forward to following the progress of this initiative and furthering Boise State University’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marlene Tromp