UB is branching out on environmental advocacy efforts and turning green early this spring with the kick-off of "A Greener Shade of Blue."
The title plays on UB's school color, but according to Michael Ryan, dean of undergraduate studies, the intention behind the campaign runs deeper than surface shades.
"The phrase references our environmental sensitivity and conscientiousness at UB," Ryan said.
This spring, UB's past success will be celebrated while its future efforts expand through awareness, according to Marsha Henderson, vice president for external affairs.
"We're hoping that by the end of the semester we have raised the level of awareness and educated the campus and community," Henderson said. "Hopefully we will have action steps that people are willing to take on and continue."
According to UB Green Energy Officer Walter Simpson, the university has been recognized nationally for its achievements in energy conservation and minimizing costs, with efforts to conserve energy dating back to the 1970s.
"We have historically had a strong environmental commitment to focusing on conservation of energy and energy's impact on the environment," said Michael Dupre, associate vice president for university facilities.
As a result of these efforts, the university has saved over $100 million in energy costs, Ryan said.
"UB has a great story to tell on this issue. Our campus took conservation and climate change seriously long before it became a popular issue," said President John B. Simpson.
According to Dupre, UB combines the technical ability of University Facilities with the advocacy of UB Green to help UB to cut energy costs and conserve. The foremost concerns are using alternative fuel vehicles and recyclable paper, avoiding landfill usage and purchasing wind power.
As a result of these efforts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named UB one of its Top 10 College and University Green Power Partners last year, according to Henderson.
Walter Simpson hopes that the program will motivate students to turn apathy into activism.
"The good news is we know some ways to solve (environmental problems), the bad news is we're paralyzed by not taking action," he said.
The noteworthy environmental advocates on the Distinguished Speakers Series lineup this semester may be the push students need to become more involved, according to Ryan.
"We hope the speaker series will act as a catalyst to motivate students to be more proactive in environmental stewardship and responsibility," Ryan said.
The series began with Green Belt Movement founder Wangari Maathai and will continue with ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and former Vice President Al Gore.
According to Ryan, Gore's lecture will be the "signature event" of the semester. Gore is expected to stress the urgency of responding to climate change and encourage people to take action right away, according to Simpson.
Additionally, Earth Day creator and solar energy expert Denis Hayes will lecture on renewable energy technology that can replace fossil fuels on Apr. 10, according to Simpson.
UB Green will supplement the lectures with specific information about what people can do to help respond to global warming issues on campus.
"I think the lectures will resonate very much with students, faculty, and staff in regard to these issues," Ryan said.
According to Henderson, people need to be aware and educated about environmental issues before positive actions can take place, and the goal of "A Greener Shade of Blue" is to provide awareness.
"Students can bring what they learn here outside to the community," Henderson said. "This is a message that students can take with them for the rest of their lives."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
