Mission
The Sustainability Office advances the triple bottom line of ecological integrity, economic prosperity and social equity. Staff members catalyze the development and implementation of sustainable policies, practices and curricula for all members of the University community.

History
Organized efforts to institutionalize sustainability at UNC began in 1999, as two converging factors led to the formation of the Sustainability Coalition. Executive Order 156 from then-governor Jim Hunt called on all state agencies to adopt more sustainable practices. Simultaneously, students requested that the university community become more proactive on environmental issues. After two years of volunteer efforts, the university became the first in the state to hire a full-time Sustainability Coordinator. Cynthia Pollock Shea, LEED AP, was hired in 2001 and in 2003 the department grew to include an Energy Conservation Manager and administrative assistant. The Sustainability Office is currently involved in a number of sustainability initiatives as well as ongoing efforts to engage and educate the campus community.

Staff
Cindy Shea, Director
Cindy launched the Sustainability Office in April 2001. She has researched, analyzed, written about, and communicated sustainability themes at international research institutes (Worldwatch and the International Institute for Sustainable Development) and worked as a foreign correspondent, web scribe, and community organizer. She holds degrees in Economics, International Relations, and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Brian Cain, Research & Outreach Manager
Brian joined the Sustainability Office in April 2008.  He has years of experience in environmental education programs, including both formal education as an elementary & high school science teacher and informal education at such institutions as Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium.  He holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from UNC-Asheville and is a Certified Interpretive Guide & Trainer by the National Association for Interpretation.