Dear Colleagues: It is my great pride and pleasure to introduce you to UNM’s new website on sustainability. My interest in and passion for addressing global environmental problems goes back a long time. In fact, in 1991, at a time when serious conversation on sustainability was just beginning, I co-authored a chapter on this topic. When I arrived at UNM in June of 2007, one of my first acts as President was to sign the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, putting our university on a pathway toward carbon neutrality. While UNM has long been committed to energy conservation and savings, I am particularly proud that “Sustainability” was introduced last April as one of our university’s Core Values. In June of 2008, we approved a comprehensive university policy that “encourages a diverse campus culture that harmonizes UNM’s sustainable goals of environmental protection, social equity, and economic opportunity within the context of its education, research, and public service missions.” (UCPP 2100) This policy ensures us that all of us - faculty, staff, students, and administrators alike – have important roles to play in our quest to conserve resources and protect the environment. I continue to be very excited about the strides we are making to demonstrate that we are truly committed to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the well being of future generations. I hope you will explore the richness of ideas and information contained in this website, and I encourage you to continue to generate and share ideas of your own. I want to thank all the members of the UNM community for what you do, each and every day, to help protect our planet and our future. With sincere regards,
David J. Schmidly
|
