Environmental Statement of Principles

Carleton College recognizes that it exists as part of interconnected communities that are impacted by personal and institutional choices. We are dedicated to investigating and promoting awareness of the current and future impacts of our actions in order to foster responsibility for these human and natural communities. Carleton strives to be a model of stewardship for the environment by incorporating ideals of sustainability into the operations of the college and the daily life of individuals.

Endorsed by the Board of Trustees, Building and Grounds Committee, 18 May 2001

A. Mission of the EAC

The Environmental Advisory Committee is a standing college committee dedicated to upholding the Environmental Statement of Principles at Carleton College and to ensuring that its vision and ideals are incorporated into all aspects of college function.

B. Membership

  • Students: The committee shall consist of three (3) voting student members, one of whom shall be a member of the CSA senate, and one non-voting student, who will assume the position of co-chair and secretary of the committee. Interested students shall apply for these positions and be appointed by the CSA liaison and the ENTS 5th year Educational Associate.
  • Faculty: Three (3) faculty shall serve as voting members of the committee, including the Director of the Environmental and Technology Studies Program or an individual he or she designates. Two (2) other faculty members are appointed by the Faculty Affairs Committee for two-year terms.
  • Staff: Three (3) members of the college staff shall serve as voting members of the committee, one of whom shall be the Director of Facilities. The other two (2) members are appointed by the Vice President and Treasurer of the College.
  • Co-chairs: The ENTS 5th year Educational Associate shall serve as co-chair (facilitator). The ENTS 5th year Educational Associate will be a non-voting member. The other co-chair will be a student. Interested students shall apply for this non-voting position and be appointed by the CSA liaison and the ENTS 5th year Educational Associate. Preference will go to a previous member of the committee or a person who is familiar with the EAC through voluntary involvement.

C. Function

  • Discuss sustainability issues of direct impact and importance to the college
  • Discuss and advise (report to Vice President and Treasurer of the College) on college plans for building, landscaping, and construction
  • Serve as a forum for campus concern about sustainability issues relating to the college
  • Incorporate sustainable and environmental considerations into future plans for the college
  • Collaborate with environmental organizations on campus, in Northfield, and beyond.

D. Procedure

EAC will hold formal meetings with all members every two weeks during the term (four to five times a term total). These meetings will always be publicized and open to the public. Subgroups of EAC will meet in between formal meetings regularly throughout the term. Approval of an action will be decided by a majority vote of members that are present. A quorum of five voting members is required for a vote to be taken.

EAC will prepare an annual report of its activities during each academic year which will be made public. Additionally, one year after its formation, and every second year following, the EAC will review the effectiveness of the membership, functional, and procedural guidelines and will propose any changes determined necessary to appropriate governing bodies.

E. Budget

The EAC is allocated an annual budget. This budget will be used only for projects and initiatives related to the functions of the committee, and the use of funds will be decided by a majority vote of members that are present. A quorum of five voting members is required for a vote to be taken. The Director of Facilities and the Director of the Environmental and Technology Studies Program will manage the EAC’s budget and give periodic updates on the status of the budget as well as report any activity of the budget.

Revised and Approved February 7, 2006 by the Environmental Advisory Committee