MNN - Mother Nature Network

A sustainable university means a better university and a better environment, which is one of the principles of the North Carolina State University's Office of Sustainability. An innovative movement, the NCSU Office of Sustainability was founded in 2008 with Tracy Dixon as the first director of sustainability. David Dean, outreach and communications coordinator for sustainability and energy at the office of sustainability, stated that the office was established "to have a central hub for sustainability on campus."

 

Although the office was recently founded, the roots for the office were first planted in 1998. Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt implemented an executive order to urge all state agencies, including NC State University, to reduce waste and achieve environmental sustainability.

 

Later, in 2000, a task force established a list of recommendations for the university. These recommendations were to establish an office of energy management, improve recycling, reduce waste, invest in green purchasing, and recognize sustainability. As part of an evolving development, the Office of Sustainability consolidated the multiple university agencies dealing with environmental sustainability. Coordinator David Dean stated that the office would like to establish sustainable practices in university classes, athletics, dining and in student life.

 

Coordinator David Dean also stated that the office would like to instill the value of environmental stewardship in the student body of North Carolina State University, which is the central philosophy behind being stewards of the Earth.