The Issue: Deirdre Manning named Director of Sustainability
What we think: Involve students in future plans for change
The Vatican's recent declaration that pollution is among the modern-day deadly sins has highlighted the importance of environmental consciousness in the Catholic community. Boston College seems to be realizing the importance of being environmentally friendly as an institution and a leading national university, as evidenced by the promotion of Deirdre Manning to the new position of director of sustainability and energy management at the University.
The new position within Utilities Management is a broadening of Manning's old position within Facilities Services. It puts BC on the right track toward focusing the appropriate time and resources to make the University more conscious of how it can reduce waste and conserve energy.
Efforts have already been made throughout the year by groups like Ecopledge to increase environmental awareness among students and to encourage recycling. The recycling and waste-disposal system in McElroy is a great example of an effort by students to induce change and show the administration that students are serious about the environment and its preservation for the future.
Long-lasting change needs to happen on the institutional and administrative level. BC should be commended for the creation of this new position, but progress should not stop there. Manning will need the cooperation of people at all levels of BC to properly do her job, especially with environmental concerns related to the Master Plan. It is of the utmost importance that BC be able to convince the city and people of Boston that when it plans to expand into the surrounding community, it will do so with not just the neighbors, but the environment, in mind.
With the Master Plan, BC has the unique opportunity to make construction decisions that are both affordable and conscious of the environment, like finding alternate sources of energy to heat and light the residence halls and buildings. Constructing future buildings according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria, could offer one way for BC to pursue environmentally conscious development.
Aside from the Master Plan, Manning's job will allow her to also play an important role in increasing recycling efforts on campus, energy conservation, and local buying for the dining halls.
Manning's position should be treated with the utmost level of seriousness and responsiveness. After a sustainability assessment report is completed, the University should take the recommended steps to change policy as necessary to reduce energy waste. Manning should be someone who works directly with students and groups like Ecopledge and the Undergraduate Government of BC to encourage all members of the community (including students) to participate in institutional change.
As consumers of a large portion of the energy BC uses, students must be fully engaged in the University's drive to make BC more sustainable. The most advanced buildings in the world won't help cut costs and waste if students don't unplug their unneeded appliances and turn off the lights.
2008 Woodie Awards
