What
does “sustainability” mean?
1. It’s efficient
use of resources over the long-term.
2. It’s sustaining the health and stability of the
 ecological
community and
vital
human institutions,
together, the human ecosystem.
Sutainability Goals
Our goal is to improve the efficiency and conscientiousness of
the core operations of the University and enhance campus sustainability
in the following areas:
• Climate Change
One of GCI’s principal goals is to reduce
UMaine’s carbon footprint, thereby helping
minimize the impacts of global climate change.
• Education
UMaine should incorporate sustainability into all of decisions
and actions, including teaching all students how to live in
a sustainable manner. Colleges and universities are ideal
leaders
in addressing the issue of climate change. In acting to decrease
their impact on the climate, colleges and universities can
serve as learning laboratories whereby the campuses are “learning
by doing.”
• Residence Hall Recycling
Each residence hall is assigned an "Eco Rep." This Green Campus Initiative volunteer is responsible for Sustainable Education in the residence hall.
• Waste Reduction & Management
Prevention and management of waste requires purchasing recyclable
items and then ensuring they are recycled. This concept applies
to the University community and its individual members.
• Water
Consumption & Quality
Reducing consumption of water through technological improvements
and educating the campus community about using water resources
more efficiently.
• Electricity Consumption
Reducing electricity consumption in the same way as water consumption
through technology and awareness.
• Heat
Production and Consumption
Improved technology can help the UMaine community more efficiently
use energy for heating, reducing excess heat production and
making life more comfortable. • Transportation
An efficient, convenient transportation system that uses
renewable power and fuel sources will minimize pollution. 
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