MORAVIAN VISION - Moravian College

Moravian Green
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Moravian’s Sustainability Task Force formed in
2007, initiated by student Elyse Jurgen ’07 and
developed by Chiu Cheng ’09, as a way to involve
all campus constituencies in environmental
initiatives. Last summer, President Thomforde
tapped Professor Frank Kuserk to lead the group,
ensuring continuity and momentum, while adding
administrative support. “He advised me that
sustainability is not just the task of one committee,
but of everyone on campus,” said Frank. “To
accomplish our objectives, faculty members, administrators,
students, technology staff, facilities
and support staff all must be involved.”
At an October meeting, President Thomforde
provided further direction—and challenges. “I’d
in Hillside 6B, where students often open
windows at night in winter, just to stay cool.
Over the coming year, the class will monitor
energy use in the residence, hoping the new
thermostats make a difference.
FMPC has also made strides toward
sustainability. Energy Star ratings are an
important criterion when purchasing new
products, says Kim Sherr, FMPC project manager.
(Energy Star products save money as
they reduce greenhouse gas emissions.) The
campus is ready and willing to compost yard
and kitchen waste onsite, but until funds become
available to purchase necessary equipment,
leaves and branches will continue to
go to municipal piles.
Past obstacles to the greening of Moravian
now should be somewhat easier to
overcome, however. Bolstered by President
Thomforde’s signing of the Talloires Declaration
on April 22, 2008, affirming Moravian’s
commitment to sustainability, and a $40,000
grant from the Soden family, sustainability
at Moravian is gaining momentum. The new
Campus Land Use and Facilities Master Plan,
drafted in conjunction with the new strategic
plan, commits the College to work toward
sustainability concerning the environment,
energy consumption, and building longevity.
“It is absolutely crucial for the long-term
health of Moravian College to be involved
Beyond the Buzz: What It Means to Be Green
like this committee to think about what our guiding
principles should be—what is special or unique
to the Moravian plan for sustainability?” President
Thomforde asked. “Keep in mind that we are
an educational institution, and that our college
population changes each year, so our framework
will guide those who follow us.”
Dr. Thomforde challenged the group to
create a list of guiding principles, assessment
of its current status, five-year goals, and lines
of accountability. The information—a strategic
plan for sustainability, in essence—will help
Moravian trustees determine how best to allocate
resources for the greening of Moravian over the
coming years.
with these issues,” said President Thomforde
at an October meeting of the Sustainability
Task Force, a group representing faculty
members, students, and staff. (See “Beyond
the Buzz,” below.) At the meeting, he charged
the group with establishing a list of guiding
principles and goals to be used for carrying
out green initiatives over the coming years.
Possible goals identified by the task force
include more organic, locally-grown foods;
biodegradable utensils and dishware, as
well as onsite composting; native landscaping
that requires no supplemental water;
public transportation vouchers for students,
faculty, and staff; LEED-certified (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design)
building construction and renovation; and
the inclusion of sustainability topics across
all curricula. Within the next year or two,
solar panels could be installed in the roof of
Johnston Hall if grants materialize.
The greening of Moravian College is no
small task, to be sure. Achieving sustainability
on campus will require the commitment
and resources of every department and
interest group, including alumni. But the
impact can be enormous and far-reaching—
sustaining not only the College, but also the
earth beyond it. �
16 MORAVIAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE FALL 2008
PHOTO BY JOHN KISH IV