University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Environmental Sustainability Committee Meeting
April 3, 2013
Members Present: Cory Alexander, Raj Desai, Lail Grant, Joanna Hadjicostandi, Prakash Pai, Irene Perry,
Brittany Pitrucha, Diane Post, Todd Richardson, Kathy Siepak, Lorraine Spickermann
Members Absent: Jay Haney, Lynzi Printer, Adaline Schelling, Michael Ruland
Call to Order 2:03 pm
I. Approval of Minutes
March minutes approved
II. Discussion
A. Motion by Joanna:
- To minimize student confusion and frustration because of continuous updates to the course
schedule, the inevitable inaccuracy of course listings, and to avoid the cost of printing and waste
of resources, the Environmental Sustainability Committee of The University of Texas of the
Permian Basin moves that printed course schedules be replaced with registration information for
students regarding how and where to access the most current and accurate course schedule online.
Furthermore, the committee recommends that all existing Summer/Fall 2013 course schedules be
removed and recycled.
-
Passed unanimously
B. Discussed location of bins for Free Store and best time for availability
- Set up bins in student housing area
- Make available during move-out period
- Diane will work with Rebecca Babcock
- Possibly move Free Store to student housing area
o MUSH?
- Invite Rebecca to next meeting
C. WNPAC will get recycling station in Mason Rehearsal Hall
D. Lail reports custodians bringing Midland Campus recycling to Main Campus
E. Filtered water taps and RO water in Science/Tech Bldg.
- Plumbing will be more complicated than originally thought
- Lail suggests putting taps in Library and Gymnasium
o Likely a money-saving endeavor—perhaps Dr. Fannin will pay for installation of a tap
- Consider putting taps and signage on fountains in ST bldg.
o ST bldg already uses RO water
- Motion for consideration at next meeting:
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o The Environmental Sustainability Committee of The University of Texas of the Permian
Basin recommends installation of water filtration stations in lounge of the Library Lecture
Center and the first floor of the Gymnasium. In addition, the committee recommends
installation of reverse osmosis water taps on all drinking fountains in the Science and
Technology Building with appropriate signage at all locations indicating that the water is
R. O. water.
-
Consideration of installing filtered water taps in Mesa Bldg. when restrooms are renovated
F. Visit from Michael Piskorick with Chartwells
- Considering move to all biodegradable disposables
o “Bioselect”
- refillable cold drink cups not possible
o sanitation concern
- Earth day event/specials at Chartwells under consideration
- Almost any dietary need can be accommodated if requested
- Very little student feedback outside of townhall meetings and specific surveys
G. Prakash asked about more recycling bins
- Will discuss with Lail
H. Motion regarding Environmental Science Position(s)
- It is the opinion of the Sustainability Committee of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin
that a program in Environmental Science is essential to the curricular functioning of our
university. Such a program would, for the long-term benefit of our region, educate our students in
the primary ecological, cultural, political, and economic forces that shape and govern
environmental practice, policy, and belief. We therefore recommend that UTPB begin a search for
a faculty member who will establish and run a program in Environmental Science.
- passed unanimously as revised
I. Earth Day activities discussed
- Details finalized
- Add information about Chartwells if possible
J. Discussion of budgetary needs and projects
III. Adjournment
The committee adjourned at 4:09 PM.
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