Our Mission
The UMKC Sustainability Team aspires to provide the framework for environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation, emissions reductions and sustainability. The team acts as a resource to support and promote the university’s environmental commitments and policies.
The Sustainability Team is committed to enhancing awareness and understanding of the principles of sustainability throughout the university community.
2013 Goals
- Expand Recycling and Waste Reduction
- Reduce Energy and Natural Resource Use On Campus
- Expand Sustainability Communication and Education
- Increase Sustainability Office Funding
- Water Resource Conservation
2012 Accomplishments
- Continue to expand recycling and waste reduction throughout campus culture including all events.
- Continue to host more Eco-educational events, workshops and conferences.
- Create more educational opportunities of alternative transportation options on campus.
- Create a green purchasing policy campus wide.
- Launch Interactive Voluntary Energy Management Campaign
Sub-Committees
Education and Funding
Co-chairs: Selena Albert and Bonnie Painter
Members: Velda Robins and Kristin Pitts
The Education subcommittee provides educational resources for the campus and the broader community including sustainable living guides, interactive sustainability blog, Eco-educational events for the campus, and field trips and tours.
Energy
Co-chairs: Jeff Brown and Kaye Johnston
Members: Mary Cleveland, Kevin McCarrison, Kristen Abell, Brian Floyd, Bob Simmons, Brian File and Mike Norris
The Energy subcommittee works to reduce the amount of energy used on campus through a voluntary energy management program with renewable alternative sources of energy such as solar panels and promoting the use of timers on electronics.
Lawn, Landscaping and Gardens
Chair: Steve Jenks
Members: James Mitchell and Julie Bauer
The Lawn, Landscaping and Gardens subcommittee initiatives include utilizing more native grasses to reduce water usage on lawns, assisting in securing funding for UMKC Garden Collective, planning plant exchange events and creating a farmer’s market on campus.
Purchasing
Chair: Cathy Barker
Co-chair:
Members: Bonnie Painter
The Purchasing subcommittee is creating a sustainable green purchasing policy for the campus, working to reduce cardboard from vendors on campus and emphasizing carbon neutral purchasing practices on campus.
Recycling
Chair: Velda Robins
Co-chair: Jody Jeffries
Members: Kaye Johnston support and Brian Floyd
The Recycling subcommittee goals are to expand recycling to all buildings on campus, meeting zero waste goals, expanding composting programs, creating community composting programs and reducing trash cans on campus.
Transportation
Chair: Henry Marsh
Members: Marsha Pirtle , John Aust and Brian Floyd
The Transportation subcommittee has created larger car-free and idle zones on campus, expanded use of electric vehicles, assists in creating purchasing policy to ensure all new vehicles are alternative fuel vehicles, and creates comprehensive alternative transportation programs on campus.
Watershed
Chair: Steve Jenks
Members: James Mitchell, Julie Bauer
The Watershed subcommittee works with the university engineering department to reduce water runoff, develop a plan to reuse gray and storm water, and to create more rain, community and rooftop gardens.
