‘Green’ is not
something that’s new to the University YMCA.
YMCA students
and staff were among the first to take on environmental issues in the 1960’s
and 70’s. The first Earth Day and Allerton Park’s continued existence are
testaments to that era of YMCA environmentalism.
The Y is now
home to 5 environmental student groups; Students for Environmental Concerns,
Engineers Without Borders, the Campus Vegetarian Society, Red Bison, and of
course the Green Observer.
5 years ago, in
the midst of renovation and construction, the YMCA Board of Governors and
Building Committee began to champion the idea that our building is a part of
our program. Any decision we make about the building, they reasoned, should
reflect the organization’s mission, which includes “protecting the integrity of
our natural environment” as a major pillar. With that framework, the building
committee chose to add nearly three quarters of a million dollars in energy
retrofits to the renovation.
They effectively
launched a new era of environmentalism at the YMCA.
The year since
the renovation has been just as exciting.
The Building committee chose to hire a Sustainability Coordinator to
organize our efforts, which is now my position here at the YMCA. With the help
of Learning IN Community (LINC, ENG-315), the staff has been busy writing
grants and making plans.
Just last month,
the Board voted to begin a Sustainability Committee, to act as advocates for
the environment and develop green programming at the Y.
You can expect
to see some exciting things coming from the Y. From a proposed bike-share
program, to solar panels and a green roof, to enhancing local nutrition and
healthy food, it really is an exciting time!
The Y is seeking
applicants for next semester’s sustainability coordinator. The application
process will begin in the coming months, please contact me at MattRundquist@gmail.com
if you are interested!
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