Clemson University establishes President’s Commission on Sustainability

Published: February 1, 2010

CLEMSON — Clemson University President James F. Barker has established a President's Commission on Sustainability that is charged with creating and implementing a plan to make the university carbon neutral.

As a signatory to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, Clemson has pledged to reduce carbon emissions and to incorporate sustainability into its curriculum for all students. The new commission is charged with creating an action plan to achieve those goals.

The commission is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff representatives from various colleges and departments and representatives from Clemson’s Public Service Activities arm. The commission is chaired by Ben Sill, emeritus Alumni Professor of Civil Engineering.

“It is important to do everything we can on campus to reduce carbon emissions because that is just part of being a good citizen,” Sill said.

Sill said the commission will look at quick, short-term solutions, such as replacing light bulbs with energy-efficient lighting, as well as long-term plans, such as seeking green energy sources and enhancing green building practices.

Sill said getting sustainability into the classroom is just as important as reducing carbon emissions.

“We need to reach every student so that we are training future leaders on how to make the world better,” he said. “By teaching sustainability, our students will have a healthy regard for the future of our planet.”

For more information, visit http://www.clemson.edu/sustainability.

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