Sustainable Campus Committee (SCC) Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 9, 2011 : UC 215, 12:10pm – 1:10pm
Members Present: Mike Panisko, Cherie Peacock, Sue Malek, Jeff Renz, Steve Siebert, Brian Kerns, Patrick Rhea, Robin Saha, Liz
Roosa Millar
Other’s Present: Trina Jones & Kyle Watson (Students - Carpooling Report); Jacob Coburn & Cody Wooden (Students – Paper
Purchasing)
Old Business
The previous meeting minutes were approved with Robin’s additions
New Business
The agenda was reviewed.
1.
Carpooling

Students Trina Jones and Kyle Watson presented their report which recommends President Engstrom appoint a
working group to revise the carpooling policy. They requested SCC endorsement. The Committee approved
endorsing the report as presented. Robin will draft a letter to President Engstrom for SCC approval.
2.
Paper Purchasing

Students Jacob Coburn and Cody Wooden presented their work on paper purchasing and economic feasibility of
a recycling content paper policy. There is currently no policy on campus and paper purchasing is decentralized.
Of 13 sampled departments surveyed, all but one in College of Arts and Sciences, EVST and Wildlife Bio are the
only departments that purchase 100% recycled paper. Nearly all units purchase 30% recycled. Costs of 100% is
an issue, paper quality is an issue.
3.
Funding Bike/Pedestrian Survey

Discussion deferred. Cherie will send an email to members.
4.

Annual Report Subcommittees
The following people volunteered to develop write-ups for the annual report regarding SCC priority topics:
o Transportation
 None
o Green Purchasing
 Robin Saha (lead)
o Greening of Residence Life
 Liz Roosa Millar (lead)
 Sue Malek
The write-ups need to be completed by mid-summer so the annual report can be finalized over the summer.
5.

Earth Week
Cherie read a statement from Jennifer regarding the results of Earth Week. The CAP Summit went well however was not
well attended. She will write a report about the recommendations for CAP Implementation that were gleaned from panel
discussions. She also recommends the summit be held again in the future, however not during Earth Week as there are too
many competing events.
6.
Mission Statement

The following mission statement was developed by Jennifer and Jeff:
Sustainable Campus Committee Mission Statement
The SCC identifies and recommends environmentally, socially and economically responsible projects that move the
University to reduce, recycle and rethink.
Motto
Reduce, recycle, rethink.
Who we are
Universities must play a leading role in education, research, policy development, information exchange, and community
outreach in order to help create an equitable and sustainable future. The Sustainable Campus Committee recognizes the
importance of this and aims to lead by example through the adoption of the Talloires Declaration's ten principles. By
identifying and recommending projects that move the University towards sustainability, the Committee will provide
momentum and guidance to UM administration, faculty, staff, and students to achieve environmentally and socially
responsible living.

Robin recommended adding leadership to the “Who We Are” section and he will create wording for the
committee to consider.
7.

Membership
There have been several recent changes to SCC membership:
o Jeff Renz will be resigning to take on chair of Faculty Senate
o Chris Comer will not renew his appointment
o Mike Panisko will not renew his appointment: need to elect a new co-chair
o Need to identify new students for the upcoming academic year
Mike will work on developing a list of potential candidates prior to the next meeting

8.


VP Duringer Update
Bob gave the committee and update on the status of the Biomass Plant
o Draft EA is complete and out for public comment: http://umt.edu/biomassplant/
o Draft Air Quality permit was expected May 12. (The Public Notice is currently on the website.)
o Regents meeting will consider the proposal May 19. (Note: Regents unanimously approved going forward with the
project.)
o Current plant is not in compliance with air quality standards. This will be fixed with the new project. Old stack is
too short and dispersion will be corrected with the new stack.
o Projected start date, March 2012. 15 months to complete
The Use Your Power Wisely has not resulted in significant change; however effects of behavior change are difficult to
measure.
NEXT SCC MEETING: July 27, 2011 at 10 am – 12 pm UC 215