Sustainability: What is it, anyway?

IU President Michael McRobbie’s announcement last week of the need to appoint a full-time director of sustainability strikes the editorial board as both practical and heartening, if not a bit overdue.

Just a couple of autumns ago, green plastic water bottles with the slogan “I Give A Sh*t” became almost as common a sight on campus as textbooks, backpacks or whatever else students carry around daily. They symbolized what seemed like a popular and powerful sentiment at the time: that nothing should stop one of the country’s largest and most wired universities from becoming more ecologically aware.
Yet such short-lived campaigns (in spite of the popular price discount any bottle-bringers received at dining halls) proved nothing when it came to the airy issue of sustainability. In 2007, the Sustainable Endowments Institute conducted a nationwide evaluation of schools and universities. On its report card-style scale, IU earned a D-plus.

Herman B Wells (whose statue sits in the heart of the lush wooded areas he strove to protect) could not have been too inspired by either this report or McRobbie’s timely announcement. From his first days as an undergraduate to the twilight of his administrative career, Wells believed all students were entitled to enjoy a campus not merely composed of concrete, limestone and littered sidewalks, nor would he find the IU of today totally lacking the ethics and intentions needed to preserve its precious blend of natural and modern beauty.

But he would have strong recommendations to make: most likely, a clarification for students, faculty and employees alike of the definition of sustainability, as well as a few concrete responsibilities each group would hopefully embrace. If he were to read the University’s official press release of the announcement, he would shudder at its bureaucratic language and aims and would encourage sticking to a single person whose proven expertise, skill and drive would keep the administration’s lofty proclamations afloat.

If this new director fits the model, he or she will do much to dispel the confusion, frustration and indifference surrounding an issue about which oodles has been said at the administrative level and little has been done at any level.

IU’s prestige and popularity arises not from external or photogenic appeal but the internal strength and diligence of individuals. The appointment of a sustainability director brings hope the new executive will be successful in focusing our University culture on this important issue.