Office of the Provost

University Council on Sustainability

The University of Rochester has advanced its commitment to addressing one of the fundamental global issues of our time, sustainably "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," through creation of the University Council on Sustainability, a multi-disciplinary, advisory board council of faculty, students, staff and University trustees. The Council will be chaired by Provost Ralph Kuncl and Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations, Ron Paprocki.

President Seligman announced the formation of the council, whose work will span five years and will coordinate provide integrated advice on all matters relateding to environmental and energy sustainability, including research, curriculum, campus operations and community, at the May 16, 2008 meeting of the University's Board of Trustees.

Council membership is:

Ben Ebenhack, Senior Lecturer, Chemical Engineering
Udo Fehn, Professor and Chair, Environmental Sciences
Katrina Korfmacher, Research Assistant Professor, Environmental Medicine
Mary Ockenden, Associate Vice President and Director, Medical Center Space Planning
Richard Pifer, Associate Vice President, University Facilities and Services
Eric Sansky, Student Association President
Janice Willett, University Board of Trustees

The University Council on Sustainability will have four functions: (1) provide an annual progress review of current and future operational sustainability initiatives; (2) describe University-wide academic initiatives of faculty and students with respect to environmental sustainability; (3) establish a comprehensive catalogue of sustainability initiatives and employ multiple media, including a web site, to communication these initiatives; and (4) recommend additional initiatives the University might undertake to extend our activity related to sustainability.

With plans to begin work in fall semester, 2008, the Council will further the University of Rochester's aim to be a leader in promoting a sustainable society through our academic, educational, patient care and health programs, in the operation of our campuses and facilities, and in our interactions with the larger community of which we are a part.