Sustainability Initiative About
Welcome to the Aquinas Sustainability Initiative. Together, we can systematically redesign our college to be the kind of place where the campus community loves to work and learn. We work to accomplish the following three objectives:
- Improve the health of natural systems;
- Enhance the quality of life for the Aquinas community and our neighbors;
- Increasing long-term financial stability of the college
Campus Sustainability Committees
With the establishment of standing staff, faculty, and student sustainability committees
in 2006, sustainability was embedded in Aquinas' governance process. Using recommendations
offered by Mr. Mitch Thomashow, the college launched a new integrated committee structure
in 2014 focused on the themes of community, learning, and infrastructure. These committees
seek to incorporate not only sustainability but also the principles of Economicology,
a term coined by Peter Wege.
Here are more details on each committee:
I. LEARNING: Curriculum, interpretation, and campus aesthetic
Vision: Aquinas College is an intellectual incubator integrating the Catholic and
Dominican traditions and the Economicology framework.
II. COMMUNITY: Governance, investment, and wellness
Vision: Demonstrating the relevancy and currency of the liberal arts, Aquinas students
and faculty lead change to address contemporary human and ecological issues.
III. INFRASTRUCTURE: Energy, food, and materials
Vision: Aquinas College is a living lab of sustainable practices.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means different things to different people. The word “sustainable,” according to
the Encarta World English Dictionary, means “able to be maintained.” This definition
can be applied to various subject matters, including society as a whole, industry,
agriculture, or family values. The concept of sustainability can be overwhelming because
of the broad nature of the word. At its root, sustainability is a concept that is
intuitive to most people.
What does an ant colony need to thrive? It needs fresh water, clean air, healthy food,
and a suitable location for the colony. The natural world supplies these necessities
to the ants and the only waste produced is fertilizer for soil. The ant colony is
an example of a sustainable society. Rather intuitive, right? Sustainability principles
can be used to restore and nourish our living environment while maintaining or improving
our current standard of living.
Key concepts of sustainability come directly from the natural world. Nature uses sunlight
as an energy source for all species. All waste is food for other species. Ant waste
provides food for microorganisms that enhance soil productivity. Natural systems also
respect diversity. If a natural disaster eliminates a particular food source, the
ants simply shift to another food source. Nature does not put “all her eggs in one
basket,” so why should we? Janine Benyus, author of "Biomimicry," reminds us that
the natural world already has 3.85 billion years of design experience. Let’s look
to nature when designing products, businesses, or communities.
Not only can sustainability concepts be applied to ant colonies, but they can also
be applied to businesses, cities, and even the Aquinas College campus. Sustainable
business practices applied to college operations may result in a decrease in waste
generation, as well as a reduction in resource and energy use. The same business practices
that increase social and environmental capital also improve the long-term profitability
of companies. These win-win situations for the natural world, the community, and business
will make Aquinas a better place to work, learn, and explore.
What is Economicology?
Not only does sustainability guide our journey at Aquinas, but we also take inspiration
from "Economicology." The term was coined by the visionary Peter Wege to define the
balance needed between the economy and ecology. The word summarizes Mr. Wege’s advocacy
for educating the public on the reality that a prosperous economy depends on maintaining
a healthy environment.
Economicology is driven by the six E’s:
- Economics
- Environment
- Ecology
- Ethics
- Empathy
- Education
The effort is funded in part, through a generous gift from the Steelcase Foundation
and the Wege Foundation.
CONTACT INFO
Jessica Eimer Bowen
Executive Director, Center for Sustainability
Albertus Hall, Rm 129
(616) 632-1994
eimerjes@aquinas.edu