Emory University
Nurturing a Green University

Atlanta, Georgia
March 22-23, 2001

Workshop Overview

On March 22-23, 2001, Second Nature conducted the "Nurturing a Green University Workshop" at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Approximately 95 participants registered for the workshop, representing every function and role in the university setting: undergraduate, graduate and professional school students, faculty, staff (facilities, groundskeeping, and administrative) and administrators from across the university's different campuses. The workshop was well-received by participants and most felt that the workshop successfully (1) deepened their understanding of sustainability, (2) celebrated current Emory activities, (3) shared current best practices at other universities and (4) helped them identify practical next steps for application of sustainability efforts at Emory. The active participation of the Provost and the President of Emory made a strong statement of administrative support and commitment to environmental sustainability at Emory University. Recent developments since the conclusion of the workshop include the adoption of a campus wide environmental policy statement!

Format & Content

The first day of the workshop focused on building community among the participants, setting a context for practicing sustainability in higher education and celebrating current Emory activities. Participants attended the workshop as part of a team, representative of a functional area or unit of the university. President Chace helped set a positive tone for the workshop with a rousing welcome to all. After an overview of the workshop , team introductions and dinner, Anthony Cortese, Second Nature's President, presented a vision of sustainability and the role of higher education in achieving that vision. The evening ended with participants reviewing and discussing Emory's current environmental and sustainability activities as depicted on posters submitted by each team.

The final day of the workshop focused on practical application and information to help further Emory's sustainability efforts. The morning began with an inspirational welcome by Provost Rebecca Chopp . Kevin Lyons of Rutgers University provided a concrete example of what a university can do with his presentation on Rutgers innovative purchasing and procurement procedures. Lyons was followed by Dr. Richard Jackson of the Center for Disease Control. Dr. Jackson's environmental health presentation was a highlight of the workshop. Emory professor John Wegner and staff Brian Shaw gave lunch time presentations on Emory's achievements in preserving university forests and committing to alternative transportation methods.

In the afternoon, participants organized into 10 different groups on topics such as Purchasing, Transportation, and Curriculum. Groups brainstormed personal action items in a given area and also key recommendations for institutional changes. A spokesperson from each group then shared 3 of these key recommendations to the President (who returned to the workshop specifically for this report). At the conclusion of the presentations, President Chace committed to responding to the recommendations.

To learn more about Emory University's environmental and sustainability activities, visit http://www.environment.emory.edu.