What Is a Sustainability Management Plan?

A Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) is an important first step toward cost savings, improved environmental impact, enhanced staff comfort and wellness, and leadership in our scientific and local community. It’s a data-driven process. And, an SMP helps us walk the talk, and build on two decades of employee-initiated sustainability efforts.

How?

Sustainability goals, action steps, and quantitative metrics to track progress will be developed for a number of “impact areas”:

• Energy
• Water
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Transportation
• Procurement
• Indoor environmental quality
• Staff comfort and wellbeing
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Land use
• Construction and green building

Decision-making criteria developed as part of the SMP will help us evaluate “apples and oranges” choices so we get the most bang for our buck – both financially and environmentally.

We’ve put together an advisory committee of scientists, engineers and administrative staff representing UCAR, NCAR and UCP and with endorsement from Presidents’ Council, UCAR’s Sustainability staff is coordinating the SMP to create a business plan for sustainability.

Implementation of the SMP begins in early 2012, and will be an ongoing process with regular plan reviews.

Staff input is critical to getting the SMP right. The SMP will affect many operational areas. We need your help to create a plan that supports your group’s operations and gains your support. In August, we began a series of meetings to bring in knowledge and ideas from across the organization.  Over 50 staff joined our brainstorming workshops on August 29 and August 30. Focus groups are opening discussion with staff whose roles directly overlap with potential sustainability goals.

Learn more and share your feedback by getting in touch with Kimberly Kosmenko or by contacting any member of the Advisory Committee.

We truly appreciate your participation!

Kimberly Kosmenko, Sustainability Program Manager

Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee Members:
Aaron Andersen (CISL)
Lawrence Buja (RAL)
Clara Deser (CGD)
Matt Hirshland (Communications)
Hanne Mauriello (UCP)
Jim Moore (EOL)
Doug Nychka (IMAGe)
Raj Pandya (E&O)
Katy Schmoll (F&A)