For the last two weeks, the Policy Steering Committee (Policy Caucus, Chair M. Alonsozana, A&S ‘14) has made great progress on the issue of sustainability at Boston College. Representatives from UGBC Cabinet, UGBC Senate, ALC Policy, Asian Caucus Policy, EcoPledge, Real Foods, Quality of Student Life Committee, and Residence Hall Association came together first to discuss current sustainability issues and second to establish measures Boston College and its student organizations can take to improve campus sustainability.
UGBC Senate, on behalf of the student body from which it is elected, commends the sustainability standards adopted by Boston College, UGBC, and various registered student organizations. Senate recognizes the efforts which the University has put forth to make our school environmentally friendly. Recycling programs, green campaigns, water conservation in the dormitories, composting in the dining halls, a garden on Brighton campus: all of these things contribute to sustainability on campus and make us proud to be part of a green campus.
In recent years, Boston College has made much headway in increasing campus sustainability; however, there is more work to be done. Senate urges Boston College, student organizations, and each individual student to strive toward continuous improvement. Senate particularly lauds the new research initiatives taken by Policy Caucus and UGBC Cabinet’s University Affairs department which delve into the University’s sustainability measures. It furthermore encourages students to learn about how to live sustainably by reaching out to campus resources including the EcoReps program, Real Foods BC and EcoPledge.
As a part of the sustainability movement on campus, Senate encourages all students to engage in, continue, and promote sustainable practices. Students should consider supporting student organizations that focus on promoting sustainability and public health by attending those groups’ meetings and events, especially events hosted by Residence Hall Association, Real Foods BC, and EcoPledge.
To the registered student organizations of Boston College, Senate hopes that you will help UGBC lead the student sustainability movement by adopting and implementing University Affairs’ sustainable events checklist and certification process. Registered student organizations are the loci of social life on campus; it is from them that a precedent for sustainability on campus will be set.
Students of Boston College, let us move together toward sustainability.
UGBC Senate
October 23, 2012
