New Class Conducts `Environmental Audit' of UNC

The members of the Environmental Studies 100 course culminated their semesterlong research projects with a public poster-viewing session and a panel discussion in the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence on Thursday.

The new class, designed last year by junior Leigh Ann Cienek, focused on the University's environmental sustainability, which is the practice of conserving available resources. "I wanted to go through University practices in an environmental audit," Cienek said.

The course is part of the Carolina Environmental Program, a cross-campus program that includes 92 environmental studies and science majors and research initiatives. "The course focuses on teamwork and critical thinking," said Bill Glaze, CEP director and course instructor. "It is more like an undergraduate research course."

The class was divided into three groups that researched different environmental topics within the University.

The three specific areas of study were pesticides, green building standards and procurement. Each group prepared a report with findings and suggestions on how to improve sustainability and then sent the reports to University administrators and the Sustainability Coalition.

The coalition is a group of students and faculty that was established at UNC in 1999 to pursue environmental ethics.

The pesticide group researched the current chemical usage on University grounds, the athletic fields and Finley Golf Course. Group member Rhea Kelley, a senior biology major, said the group found that good pesticide techniques were used on the grounds, but the athletic fields and Finley Golf Course were excessive in their pest management. She said UNC groundskeepers use many preventative methods, applying pesticides prior to actual infestation of the pest.

The procurement group researched the University's option to purchase recycled paper and organic food and the possibility of having an organic product section in Student Stores.

The green building group focused on three residence halls that are up for renovation: Alexander, Winston and Connor.

The group suggested ways, such as reducing water and energy usage, to make the residence halls economically sound.

Glaze predicts that the students' research reports will be effective in years to come. "The course gives a little, gentle nudge for the University to get serious," Glaze said.

"I think that these students might catalyze change in the University and this will help the Sustainability Coalition with work in the future."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.