If N.C. State wishes to continue to pride itself as the technological flagship university within the UNC System, I believe we have some work to do.
The University has made incredible strides in technological research, innovation and implementation. But what are needed to maintain NCSU’s credibility as the innovative technological leader in our state’s university system are increased usage and implementation of sustainable practices.
I understand sustainability is perhaps not best defined in a traditional understanding of technology. Nonetheless, sustainable practices in a modern age on the brink of severe global environmental change are just as important as any other technological advancement intended for the well-being of society.
According to its Web site, as a land-grant institution “N.C. State is committed to playing an active and vital role in improving the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina, the nation and the world.”
It’s imperative in a crucial leadership position to always set examples that are not just innovatory, but in the case of sustainability, I would argue morally responsible.
NCSU has made an increasingly conscious effort to invoke more sustainable practices through various means. The Office of Energy reports that LED lamps and compact fluorescent light bulbs have replaced incandescent lamps and light bulbs in most campus buildings. Also, low-flow showerheads have been installed in both residence halls and the gym.
The list of energy-efficient projects includes a few more minor projects — such as water conservation practiced by the irrigation crew — but for the most part, more can and should be done.
Student endeavors to initiate campus sustainability initiatives often prove futile due to the confined and stifled limitations that frequently hamper student organization efforts. The money and man-power that is needed to make the necessary difference within the University cannot and should not come solely from student groups–it’s unreasonable to believe that they alone could even do so.
Specific student groups such as GREEN, Students for Sustainable Energy, Student Organization for Sustainability and others are unfortunately negligibly small in terms of size, power and actual capability on campus.
However, sustainability concerns of students have increased as of lately.
Student organizations concerned with environmental issues, especially GREEN, have experienced tremendous increases in membership and interest. A Facebook group dedicated to NCSU students interested in sustainable practices has also rapidly grown.
Student Body President Bobby Mills proposed a new sustainability fee of $10 per person to go towards increasing sustainable practices on campus.
The fee was to serve only as a temporary means of demonstrating student concerns for sustainability and in turn would challenge the administration to properly assume financial responsibility and initiation for such practices rather than the students.
Because the UNC Board of Governors decided not to allow any new fees this year does not mean that the administration should not assume the role of overseeing the implementation of increased sustainable practices.
In fact, it is their duty as the leaders of a University that strives to rightfully act as an innovative leader in almost all aspects of life.
I challenge students to continue to voice their desire for increased environmentally friendly measures on campus and for administrators to make sure action is taken.
Otherwise, NCSU’s commitment to “improving the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina, the nation and the world” is dangerously close to resembling hypocrisy.
What do you think about the University’s sustainability efforts? E-mail us at [email protected].