Vision 2020 is the development of a baselines, goals, and performance metrics leading to a greatly improved campus environment that is recognized, celebrated, and emulated by our MSU family as well as our peers. The goal with Vision 2020 is to obtain and operate a sustainable campus with a 50% reduction in resource use and waste/pollution production, a 50% increase in sustainable transit measures as well as recycled activity, a 50% increase in sustainable curriculum and research activities, and a 50% increase in community/university sustainable partnerships by the year 2020.
Vision 2020 will include the development of baselines, comprehensive policys, frameworks, procedures and performance metrics for the following environments. These components will serve as the basis for all campus planning activities.
Operations:
MSU ECO will develop management and audit guidelines, policies and procedures for existing infrastructure as well as new and renovation construction activities. These will be used to measure performance of existing operation systems, develop more sustainable techniques for improved performance, and set guidelines to frame the furture growth and development of the campus in a way that respects the local culture, heritage, and environment.
Grounds:
MSU ECO will develop management, audit, retrofit, and new construction guidelines, policies, and procedures. This will include stormwater, waste, light and traffic pollution in addition to standard grounds maintenance, parking lots, plantings, and hardscapes. Grounds not only refers to our local landscape but to the region environment as well and it is imperative that we set standards locally that impact the greater ecological health of the surrounding impacted environment.
Transportation Systems:
MSU ECO will develop management, audit, and operation procedures and policies for a holistic campus transportation system that leads to reduced campus traffic, increased sustainable and public transit and greater connections with the surrounding transit system. This system includes bike, pedestrian, shuttle, public transit, and commuter transportation systems.
Materials:
MSU ECO will develop policies and procedures for more responsible buying habits, waste minimization, recycling, and composting. With a goal of purchasing more sustainable materials, it is hoped that a reduction of waste will occur along with a larger percentage of recycled and composted materials.
Education and Research:
MSU ECO will aid in the deveopment of localized research and curriculum opportunities. Research and curriculum directly relates to a better understanding and respect of sustainability issues. In addition these research activities can temper and provide validity to implemented processes.
Community Relations:
MSU ECO will serve as the integration force aiding and developing sustainable iniatives and partnerships between the University, the City of Starkville, Oktibbeha County, the Golden Triangle region and the State of Mississippi. There is a leadership void in the area in the area of sustainable community realations and MSU should fill that void. The City of Starkville is taking strides to encourage LEED public buildings and enhanced Stormwater Management techniques and MSU should leverage these efforts and help push for further development.
Quality of Life:
MSU ECO will outline and develop potential frameworks for campus quality of life enhancements aimed at staff, students and visitors. These frameworks include but may not be limited to transportation, work, classrom, and housing environment enhancements. Sustainability and quality of life go hand in hand due to the proven relationship of happy and fulfilled individuals and the quality of work, retainment, recruitment ability and length of tenure.
