When Chancellor Moeser stepped down after 8 successful years leading UNC, he left a strong legacy of institutionalizing sustainable practices and policies at UNC. During his tenure as chancellor, UNC developed a Sustainability Office, implemented a university-wide Sustainability Policy, signed the Community Carbon Reduction Pledge and American College & University President’s Climate Commitment, built a number of “green” buildings (including the first LEED building in the state system), invested in extensive resource conservation projects, and incorporated themes of sustainability into a number of curriculum areas.
This past Sunday, Oct 12, Holden Thorp was inducted as UNC’s 10th chancellor. Already an accomplished scientist, teacher, and entrepreneur, Chancellor Thorp will now be responsible for leading Carolina through a period of dramatically growth and change. This will include the groundbreaking and construction of Carolina North – UNC’s largest single expansion project in history. So how does our new chancellor see sustainability fitting into Carolina’s future?
“Carolina must remain committed to the environment, which has been a topic of research here for nearly two centuries. Our faculty's expertise spans global warming, alternative energy sources, clean air and drinking water, the health of our marine ecosystems, and sustainable development - issues that affect everyone. And with programs in the Institute for the Environment, the College and Public Health, we are even stronger. We must keep pushing these strengths - to lead in the study of the environment and its problems and in devising and providing solutions.
“On campus, we will continue to demonstrate a humble respect for the environment. Sustainability is not just an academic topic. It's part of our culture. It's reflected in everything from our construction program to how we conduct business every day.”
This quote comes directly from Chancellor Thorp’s installation speech. Watch the speech yourself to hear all that he says about sustainability at UNC. Jump to 24:30 on the timeline for the sustainability comments.
Yes, the future looks bright! As Chancellor Thorp would say, “Let it shine!”
