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.