Northwest Missouri State University

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BEARCAT GREEN

Introduction to Sustainability

The EPA defines Sustainability as the satisfaction of basic economic, social, and security needs now and in the future without undermining the natural resource base and environmental quality on which life depends.  http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/basicinfo.htm

Northwest's Commitment to Sustainability

• Protect and enhance the campus environment.
• Conserve natural resources through their sustainable use in campus operations.
• Work toward the continued reduction of Northwest's environmental impact.
• Pursue innovative technology and practices in the field of sustainability.
• Increase sustainability awareness by engaging the campus community on these issues.

The Northwest Sustainability Office

The Sustainability Office was established to help further Northwest's current sustainability efforts. We work to encourage and facilitate sustainability programs initiated by students, faculty, and staff; while helping to identify the materials and resources required for supplementing, expanding, or replacing existing programs. We are here to assist in the development of a long-range Sustainability Action Plan that allows us to integrate the principles of balanced environmental, social, and economic sustainability into education, research, and the operational and decision-making processes throughout campus.

Short Term Goal

• Create an advisory board to guide sustainability action planning.
• Establish the means by which to best measure and report our environmental impact.
• Identify the greatest operational opportunities for economy through conservation.
• Promote, celebrate, and expand Northwest's current sustainability efforts.

Long Term Goals

• Help to develop systems and processes that best align resources with priorities, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainability on and off campus.
• Foster a robust sustainability program that furthers Northwest Missouri State's innovative culture of economic, social, and environmental stewardship; promoting student success and life-long learning.