“Carleton College recognizes that it exists as part of interconnected communities that are impacted by personal and institutional choices. We are dedicated to investigating and promoting awareness of the current and future impacts of our actions in order to foster responsibility for these human and natural communities. Carleton strives to be a model of stewardship for the environment by incorporating ideals of sustainability into the operations of the College and the daily life of individuals.”

Endorsed by the Board of Trustees, Building and Grounds Committee, 18 May 2001

“Carleton College recognizes that global warming is one of the greatest local and global challenges of our time. The College values the goal of carbon neutrality as a priority for our community, recognizing that this goal merits the consideration of allocation of resources to research and implement technological and behavioral change. The College commits to developing a framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the input of students, staff and faculty. In doing so, Carleton reaffirms its commitment to sustainability as articulated in the Environmental Statement of Principles.”

A. Mission of the EAC

The Environmental Advisory Committee is a standing College committee dedicated to upholding the Environmental Statement of Principles and the Carbon Neutrality Value Statements at Carleton College, ensuring that these visions and ideals are incorporated into all aspects of College function.

B. Membership

• Students (3): Two students shall serve as voting members of the Committee, one of whom shall be a member of the CSA senate. In addition to these two students, one non-voting student will assume the position of Secretary of the Committee. Interested students shall apply for these positions early in fall and be appointed by the CSA Liaison and the ENTS Educational Associate.

• Faculty (3): Three faculty shall serve as voting members of the Committee, one of whom shall be either the Director or Associate Director of the Environmental and Technology Studies Program. The Faculty Affairs Committee appoints the two other faculty members for two-year terms.

• Staff (4): Four members of the College staff shall serve as voting members of the Committee, one of whom shall be the Facilities Director, one of whom shall be the Director of Energy Management, and one of whom shall be the ENTS Educational Associate. The other member is appointed by the Vice President and Treasurer of the College.

• The Committee will be chaired by the Director of Energy Management and the educational associate will serve as vice-chair. Additionally, there will be an advisory to the chairs consisting of the Director of Facilities and the Director of ENTS that will meet during weeks when there is no EAC meeting. Chairs will meet before every meeting and divide the duties of agenda-writing, meeting facilitation, and treasury.

C. Function

• Strive to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of the College, including current and future plans for campus buildings, landscaping, and construction.

• Ensure that the campus is working towards accomplishing the objectives of the Presidents Climate Commitment, including but not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining a greenhouse gas emissions inventory

• Developing and implementing an action plan for attaining carbon neutrality

• Proposing specific projects that will reduce the College’s greenhouse gas emissions

• Monitor and support measures to integrate sustainability into the curriculum

• Coordinate the Sustainability Revolving Fund

• Serve as a forum for campus discussion and innovation regarding sustainability at Carleton

• Coordinate and prioritize sustainability projects, in conjunction with students and classes, with environmental organizations on campus, and with the greater Northfield community.

• Coordinate annual Stewsie Sustainability Awards

D. Procedure
The EAC will hold formal meetings with all members every two weeks during the term (a total of four to five times a term). These meetings will always be publicized and open to the public. Subgroups of the EAC will meet regularly, in between formal meetings, throughout the term. Approval of an action will be decided by a majority vote of members that are present at formal meetings. A quorum of five voting members is required for a vote to be taken.

The Co-chairs of the EAC will meet regularly with the Vice-President and Dean of the College to help facilitate and incorporate sustainability values and practices into our community. Furthermore, twice a year (once in the Fall and once in the Spring), Co-chairs will report to the President of the College, updating the President on Committee progress on the Presidents Climate Commitment.

Coordination and prioritization of sustainability projects, in conjunction with students, classes, on-campus environmental organizations and the greater Northfield community, will primarily be the responsibility of the vice-chair ENTS Educational Associate. He or she will do so by ensuring that the College sustainability website is updated regularly, by organizing meetings, and by seeking the support of the Sustainability Assistants. At every EAC meeting, the Educational Associate will provide a summary report on current campus sustainability projects.

The EAC will prepare an annual report of its activities during each academic year which will be made public. Additionally, one year after its formation, and every second year following, the EAC will review the effectiveness of its membership, and functional and procedural guidelines, and will propose any changes deemed necessary to appropriate governing bodies.

E. Budget
The EAC is allocated an annual budget and a student-worker budget for the Sustainability Assistant positions. The annual budget will be used only for projects and initiatives related to the functions of the Committee, and the use of funds will be decided by a majority vote of members present at the formal meetings. A quorum of five voting members is required for a vote to be taken. The Director of Energy Management and the ENTS educational associate will manage the EAC’s budget and give periodic updates on the status of the budget as well as report any activity of the budget.

The EAC will report to the Budget Committee once a year for larger requests.

Proposals for the Sustainability Revolving Fund will be scheduled in advance (contact the Educational Associate) and presented at SRF subcommittee meetings. The SRF subcommittee will then present their recommendations to be endorsed by the EAC.

Revised and approved June 4, 2008 by the Environmental Advisory Committee