Temple University has established the Office of Sustainability, a new administrative unit that will lead the university's efforts to foster a pervasive culture of environmental responsibility throughout the university.
Opened July 1, the office is directed by Sandra J. McDade, a Temple administrator for more than 30 years who most recently served as executive director of business affairs at Temple's Health Sciences Center, reporting directly to the Office of the Provost.
As a member of the university's Sustainability Task Force, McDade has been a key contributor in assessing Temple’s current sustainability efforts, studying best practices and recommending tangible short- and long-term actions the university should take to promote environmental responsibility and pursue sustainable practices. Under the portfolio of Vice President William Bergman, the new office is an outgrowth of the task force’s report, “Recommendations for a Sustainable Temple,” and the next step in incorporating sustainability principles more fully into the university’s strategic, operational, academic and service priorities.
“Sandra's passion for sustainability, coupled with her knowledge of Temple, relationships throughout the university and experience in strategic planning, financial management and research administration make her the ideal leader to launch this important initiative,” Bergman said.
McDade has been charged with working with students, faculty and staff to develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy that balances the environmental, economic and social aspects of Temple’s business decisions. In conjunction with the Office of the Provost and the faculty, and supported by the Sustainability Task Force, McDade also will guide Temple's efforts to establish new academic programs in this area.
"The Office of Sustainability will be a centralized resource on green issues and practices — everything from facilities and recycling to academics and research — for the entire Temple community," McDade said. "We share President Hart's goal of making Temple a model of sustainable practice among large urban research universities."
The Office of Sustainability will be located on the lower level of Mitten Hall at Temple's Main Campus. To contact the office, or to learn more about creating a sustainable campus culture at Temple, call 215-204-2517, e-mail sustainability@temple.edu or visit www.temple.edu/sustainability.
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