KU News Release

New Center for Sustainability to improve efficiency, open educational avenues

Jeff Severin

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has created a Center for Sustainability, which will work to position KU as a leader in sustainable practices and education by providing research and other learning opportunities for students and faculty.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Lariviere touted the formation of the center as a way for KU not only to reduce energy costs but also to prove its dedication to being environmentally responsible.

“As a major research institution, KU has a responsibility to help find new ways to reduce energy consumption and waste,” Lariviere said. “Through research and practical application, the Center for Sustainability will pioneer ways for the university to be environmentally sound. It is our hope that these can then be shared with society beyond campus, thereby conserving valuable resources and helping the state of Kansas and the world.”

The center’s goals include:

— Identifying and pursuing externally funded research grants
— Creating student-based sustainability research projects
— Developing service learning courses with a sustainability focus
— Establishing a campus-wide sustainability ambassador network of faculty, staff and students
— Identifying cost-saving opportunities for various campus operations

Jeff Severin has been hired as the center’s first director. Since 2004, Severin has been manager of the KU Environmental Stewardship Program, which oversees waste reduction and recycling on campus. Stacey Swearingen White, associate professor of urban planning, will be director of academic programs. The center has also formed a sustainability advisory board, which will set goals for a sustainable university, give recommendations to the provost’s office and monitor progress.

The center is in Carruth O’Leary Hall, and its staff reports to Don Steeples, vice provost for scholarly support.

Severin, who earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies at KU in 2001, is a graduate student in urban planning. As manager of the Environmental Stewardship Program, he helped expand collection locations and overall annual tonnage increased more than 20 percent. The program will remain part of Facilities Operations and will work closely with the Center for Sustainability.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.