Montclair State University

Photo by Mike Peters

Joann Brennan McKee, deputy director, Division of Environmental Planning & Protection, EPA, and Richard A. Lynde, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Montclair State University sign the nations first comprehensive green building construction and operation agreement between the EPA and an educational institution.

In a clear indication of its commitment to sustainability and environmental issues, Montclair State University recently become the first educational institution in the nation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) committing to utilize the latest green technologies and practices on its 246-acre campus. By signing the MOU, the University is agreeing to management and operational principles that will ensure that it meets high environmental standards and reduces its carbon footprint.

Photo by Mike Peters

Visiting students from the Rand School with compost from Montclair State's aerobic composter.

“Montclair State University gets an A plus for its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and the waste stream from its operations,” said Alan J. Steinberg, Regional Administrator for the EPA. “This important agreement underscores innovation and a comprehensive commitment towards sustainable development. Montclair is looking greener every day.”

“We are proud to be among the organizations that will work to ensure the earth’s future,” said Montclair State University Provost Richard A. Lynde. Signing on behalf of the University, Lynde called the agreement “historically significant.”

By entering into this agreement, the University is pledging that green activities and sustainability will be integrated into all facility operations, and that all new construction will incorporate green building technology and materials. Highlights of the MOU are available here.

Read the press release about the MOU here.

Listen to the radio podcast from WBGO Journal here. This broadcast originally aired on June 27, 2008 on WBGO/Newark Public Radio.

Article Entered Into News System: Tuesday, June 17 2008
Article Last Edited: Tuesday, July 1 2008