COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT (COE)

Annual Report, 2005-2006

Tim Bryson, Chair

(New Chair for 2006-2009: Prof. Chris Beck, Department of Biology)

 

COE’s charge is to review capital projects for their environmental impact and to make policy recommendations.  Our goals for this year were the following.

 

  1. Ensure that environmental values are represented in the new strategic plans and policies.
  2. Embed environmental standards in individual capital projects and processes.
  3. Improve communications with campus and surrounding communities.

 

Here is a brief record of activities on these goals over the past several months. 

 

  1. Strategic Planning and Policies.
    1. The Board of Trustees approved Emory’s first Land Use Map, which commits Emory to preserving from development virtually all of its major tracts of forest.  This is an historic milestone in environmental protection at Emory and reflects years of work by members of COE. 
    2. Campus Planning has begun selection of a contractor to design a  stormwater management plan, in consultation with COE. 
    3. Emory’s expanded shuttle plan, again the fruit of years of effort, including major input and leadership from COE members, has been inaugurated this year. A complementary pedestrian/cyclist access plan. is in process.
    4. Ten years ago COE advocated adoption by Emory of a Sustainability vision.  This year Emory has adopted one and has committed to hiring a Sustainability Director, with the COE chair a member of the search committee.
  2. Green Building (LEED) standards have recently been added by Robin Smith, campus commissioning coordinator, to campus design standards.  COE made specific recommendations for the following capital project proposals, among others:
    1. Candler School of Theology new building
    2. Ronald McDonald House relocation
    3. Freshman Hall One
    4. Psychology Building
    5. Dowman Drive realignment
    6. Fishburne Deck curb cut on N Decatur Rd
  3. Communications
    1. COE and members of FM meet monthly outside of regular COE meetings to discuss current issues.
    2. We have members serving with (and cross-pollinating) the following entities

                                                              i.      Campus Planning office

                                                            ii.      Emory Village board

                                                          iii.      CCTMA Transportation Plan

                                                          iv.      Two surrounding neighborhood civic association boards

                                                            v.      Piedmont Project

                                                          vi.      Friends of Emory Forest

                                                        vii.      Ad Hoc Committee for Environmental Stewardship

                                                      viii.      ECOSEAC (renamed Student Environmental Alliance)