In a recent conversation with University Treasurer Chris McCrudden, I learned that if current prices hold, Princeton's annual energy expenditures will increase by $7 million over the course of the four-year period from 2002 until 2006. To say the least, our fossil fuel addiction is costly.
I set out to learn how the University planned to address this increase in energy costs. At a time when alternative energy production methods and energy conservation practices are proven both technologically and as cost-saving measures, it seemed to me that the moment would be ripe for the enthusiastic adoption of such sustainable principles. Where did the University stand on this issue?
As it turned out, I found that Vice President for Administration Mark Burstein and Vice President for Facilities Mike McKay are quietly leading a thorough evaluation of Princeton University's environmental footprint.
Due to the hyper-awareness of the potential budgetary impacts of energy conservation, the University is looking for opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of current structures and incorporate green design principles into new construction.
Burstein and McKay's brand of environmentalism, as expressed in the initiatives described to me by them, seemed to me to be reflective of the institution itself: moderate and pragmatic. Burstein and McKay are inheritors of a legacy that includes, among other things, an energy inefficient physical plant and a campus planned without regard for sustainable development principles. Right now, they essentially play catchup for the generations of Princeton planners and architects unaware of or unconcerned with the possibilities of smart building design.
Not too long from now, though, Burstein and McKay will win their battle against the draftiness of gothic dormitories and the inefficiencies of outdated sciences laboratories — they will have eliminated the most glaring energy inefficiencies of our existing structures. Once they finish this phase, they, the administration and the trustees will have to consider questions about our sustainability profile that are historically new to Princeton. The opportunity to stand as a model of environmental stewardship was not within our reach before. How will we respond when it is?
Let us answer emphatically that we believe acting as a true steward of the earth must be incorporated into the educational mission of this University. Further, let us declare that the pursuit of environmental sustainability must not end when payback times for sustainability improvements stretch to a decade or even more. If we only do the right thing when it is most cost-effective, are we setting any kind of example at all?
Our generation of Princeton students, cruelly dealt Al Gore as its iconic environmentalist, is desperate for leadership on environmental issues. While I will never abandon hope that one day our federal government will grab the reins of the great American growth machine and steer the nation towards sustainability, it is time to look elsewhere for guidance.
I challenge Mark Burstein, Mike McKay and President Tilghman to exceed conventional goals, to throw out the University's current environmental mission statement — which guides us to "strike a proper balance between environmental stewardship and economic expense" — and to adopt a vision in which Princeton University adds the pursuit of environmental sustainability to the categories in which it seeks to best all of its peers.
This vision will cost money. Who will pay for it?
To succeed as an inspirational and pedagogical tool, the adoption of a sustainability agenda should be contingent on shared sacrifice for the greater goal. It should hurt a little bit. Since it is for the sake of the students, let us share in the burden.
Take away FristFests, Dean's Date Theater, a few study breaks and a couple of other frills, and use the proceeds to put up the Class of 2007 Solar Panel on the roof of Whitman College. Add a panel every year. In time, the savings reaped could contribute to a fund dedicated to pushing the envelope of sustainability practices at Princeton.
And when will we have gone far enough? When all graduating seniors can look Tilghman in the eye and tell her that they have learned from Princeton University, at Princeton University, what it means to be a good steward of the earth. Thomas Bohnett is a sophomore from Princeton Junction. He can be reached at tbohnett@princeton.edu.
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