Damages made to items inside the Sigma Nu house prior to the start of demolition efforts , which started June 2 demonstrate behavior that does not befit the example of leadership that Greek Life stands for.

According to John Mountz, director of Greek Life, the University owns the buildings and is responsible for all maintenance and renovation. To that end, the University is reusing any materials, ranging from toilets to lock cores, in the old Greek houses for other facilities on campus. The University cites the commercial-grade materials used in the buildings as reason for why these materials are purportedly unsuitable for charitable uses.

Fraternity and sorority members must take responsible action and respect the property the University allowed them to use. These Greek organizations must also cooperate with NCSU’s re-use efforts – instead of damaging the old buildings, students could instead consult with University officials and contractors in how they can assist in removing any reusable items from the old buildings. We commend Greek Life for its efforts to recycle.

The ultimate goal for the new Greek Village is to adopt the Chancellor’s stated goals of taking the lead in energy innovation. The University and Greek Life are committed to making the buildings Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certified as defined by the United States Green Building Council.

These efforts are signs of the University’s commitment to energy and environmental conservation. However, NCSU administrators should bring these efforts to the forefront of public attention and work closely with the new Sustainability Office on campus to ensure any and all re-usable items are removed prior to any demolitions.

The students of Greek Life also must take the lead in increasing student awareness of these efforts and promoting the expansion and scope of these programs.

The Greek Life Web site has one live webcam and several others planned to allow people to watch the demolition. University officials and Greek Life student leaders should use the Greek Village project to spearhead conservation initiatives, which may aid in finding environmentally-minded donors to cover construction costs.