Newly formed office makes campus "green

With the growing interest in sustainability and "green" practices, Furman has created the office of Sustainability and Environmental Education to further coordinate sustainability issues on campus."There increasingly became more need for coordination, collaboration and communication about all the things that are ongoing here," said Angela Halfacre, an associate professor of political science and the director of Sustainability and Environmental Education, in reference to elevated environmental awareness and a plethora of sustainability initiatives on campus, such as the Lake Restoration Project, the organic garden, the Cliffs Cottage, the use of local and organic food in the dining hall and more.

"The way that you and I live our lives is currently unsustainable," said Frank Powell, Professor and Environmental Liaison.

"Speaking as one who has put a lot of time into working on the environmental front...I am very pleased with Furman's commitment to move forward and invest heavily in [this project]," said Powell.

This semester, Powell is taking time off from teaching Health and Exercise Science to work with the office of Sustainability, looking for opportunities for Furman to do environmental work with organizations outside of campus.

"I think we're way behind in ensuring that the brightest in our culture are taught and trained in these areas," said Powell.
The four main facets of the office of Sustainability are curricular activities, co-curricular activities, communication and climate commitment and assessment. "The office serves as a clearinghouse for curricular and co-curricular activities on Furman's campus relating to sustainability," said Halfacre.

The office will be a center of information and organization, overseeing community service opportunities, literature, research opportunities and more. One strategic goal of the university is that all students be environmentally aware citizens upon graduation, she said.

Halfacre reported that president David Shi has made a pointed commitment to environmentally friendly infrastructure and academics and believes that the facilities personnel at Furman are "fore thinking and efficient," always utilizing the most green methods of construction and maintenance. According to Halfacre, Furman has a local as well as a national reputation for being a leader in sustainability.

Halfacre and fellow staff members want to collect and analyze relevant data and then share their findings with the entire Furman community. To do so, they will work closely with Furman's Marketing and Public Relations Department, Student Life, and through liaisons like Hall Staff.

Following the exhibition of the Cliffs Cottage, the showcase home will be retrofitted to house the office of Sustainability.
Halfacre, who received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman and her doctorate from the University of Florida, taught as a professor of political science at the College of Charleston before her hire at Furman. During spring term, she will teach a class on Environmental Policy here on campus.

The office of Sustainability is planning to sponsor many events this year, including the Kill-a-watt Challenge, Dry Off!, and more.